Saint Francis Participates in Recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month
May 4, 2026Categories: Awards and Recognition
On Wednesday, April 29, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) held an event in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month highlighting the Safe Havens for Newborns Act. Andrew Franco, MD, an Emergency Department physician, represented Saint Francis at the event, speaking to attendees about the hospital’s commitment to the Safe Haven initiative.
Dr. Andrew Franco represented Saint Francis at an event highlighting Connecticut's Safe Havens Act for Newborns.
The Safe Havens law allows a parent who is unable to care for their newborn to voluntarily and anonymously surrender an infant 30 days old or younger to staff at a hospital emergency room. DCF will then place the baby in a pre-approved adoptive home.
Since the law’s passage in 2001, 60 babies have been safely surrendered at hospitals across Connecticut, including two in 2026. For more than two decades, the Safe Havens law has helped prevent tragic outcomes and support parents who are unable to care for their child, for any number of reasons, with no judgement.
Alongside representatives from other health care organizations, advocates and elected officials, Dr. Franco shared Saint Francis’ commitment to providing support and care to the most vulnerable in the community, including through the Safe Havens Act.
“The Saint Francis Emergency Department is here for any member of our community who needs to use the Safe Havens Act,” said Dr. Franco. “Whatever the reason, our nurses and doctors at Saint Francis will accept an infant, provide incredible care and support the parent in their decision without judgment. Thank you all for sharing in the message that we at Saint Francis hold in the highest regard – providing compassionate care to our community.”