Free program to discuss newborn law

A free program covering the Safe Place for Newborns Law will be held Tuesday, March 30, at the United Way Building in Sheboygan.

Two separate sessions will be held from 9-10 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. Both sessions will be followed by an hour-long question and answer forum.

Tricia Burkett, MSW, CSW, will speak on legal infant abandonment. Burkett is the Safe Place for Newborns coordinator at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital St. Joseph Campus in Milwaukee.

She will present information and answer questions on the Wisconsin Safe Haven Law and Safe Place for Newborn programs.

In addition, Burkett will provide information on public education for Baby Safe Place and creating an effective Safe Place for Newborns within your facility.

Abandoned babies are a sad reality in our world today. The Wisconsin Baby Safe Haven Law allows a parent to legally abandon an unharmed, up to 3-day-old newborn with any health care provider, emergencymedical technician, law-enforcement agent, or by calling 911, without fear of prosecution in the state of Wisconsin.

The law has been effect since 2001. However, the general public remains largely unaware of its existence.

The program, which is sponsored by Team Blue Ribbon and Sheboygan County’s local child-abuse prevent committee, is available to anyone interested in learning more about Safe Place for Newborns. This includes health care providers, social workers, educators, law-enforcement officers, firefighters, students, guidance counselors and the general public.

The United Way of Sheboygan building is located at 2020 Erie Ave. in Sheboygan. To reserve a seat, contact Mental Health America of Sheboygan County at 458-3951.