Article 5A.

Safe Surrender of Infants.

§ 7B-520.  Purpose; limitations.

(a) Purpose. - The purpose of this Article is to protect newborn infants by providing a safe alternative for a parent who, in a crisis or in desperation, may physically abandon or harm his or her newborn and to provide information for the parent regarding the parent's rights and alternatives.

(b) Limitations. - The provisions of this Article apply exclusively to safely surrendered infants as defined in G.S. 7B-101(19a). No person or agency shall act under the provisions of this Article if it is determined that any of the following are true:

(1) A surrendered infant is reasonably believed to be more than 30 days old.

(2) The infant shows signs of abuse or neglect.

(3) There is reason to believe the individual surrendering the infant was not the infant's parent.

(4) At the time the infant was surrendered, there was reason to believe the parent intended to return for the infant. (2023-14, s. 6.2(a).)