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Senate committee advances changes to Safe Haven law to speed placement of surrendered infants with licensed adoption agencies
Summary
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee advanced Senate Bill 1058 after sponsor Senator Tammy Nichols said the measure would speed placement of infants surrendered under Idaho’s Safe Haven law and clarify coordination with the Indian Child Welfare Act.
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to send Senate Bill 1058 to the floor with a due‑pass recommendation after sponsor Senator Tammy Nichols said the bill would streamline placement of newborns surrendered under Idaho’s Safe Haven law and better coordinate with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
Senator Tammy Nichols, presenting SB 1058, said the bill would require the Department of Health and Welfare to maintain a list of licensed adoption agencies to facilitate faster placement of surrendered infants and would direct that custody be transferred to a selected adoption agency within 24 hours unless medical care or other conditions require a longer stay. "The goal of this bill is clear: to place abandoned children quickly with families who are ready and waiting," Nichols said.
Supporters included licensed adoption agencies and tribal representatives. Kara Walsh, a licensed social worker representing New Beginning Adoption Agency, told the…
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