Home  ·   News  ·   Weather  ·   Sports  ·   Jobs  ·   Community  ·   Pics N Videos  ·   Station  ·   Marketplace  ·   6 on Your Side  ·   Contests  ·   Get Connected  ·   Blogs
Health Check · Lottery · DTV · Seasonal · Mom to Mom · Traffic · The Omaha Buzz · CityCAMS · My Weather · School Closings · HS Cribs · Restaurants · McKnight Investigates
DTV news, with your converter box scan for digital channels. You may need to move the box around the room or get an antenna. Be prepared for the Feb 17 digital transition! Click here for more info.
WOWT.com on Demand
6 On Your Cell
News, Sports & Weather
Information On Your Cell
Text ALERTS
Breaking News Alerts
Direct to Your Cell Phone
Daily e-News
News & Weather Updates
delivered via email
You Cast
Submit Your Pics
and Video
What's on 6
Your Guide to NBC
& WOWT Programming
Two More Left Under Safe Haven Save Email Print
Reporter: WOWT
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com
47 comments
A | A | A

Two more children have been abandoned at heartland hospitals under Nebraska's safe haven law.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, a 12-year-old boy from Omaha was left at Immanuel Hospital. Another 12-year-old boy was left at BryanLGH West in Lincoln. Both were dropped off Sunday.

This brings the number of children left at a hospital to 16 since the law took effect in July. Nebraska is the only state whose safe haven law covers children up to age 19.

"I encourage parents who are having difficulty with their kids to reach out for help from family, faith-based organizations and other community services when they need support before taking this drastic measure," Todd Landry, director of the Division of Children and Family Services for the Department of Health and Human Services said.

Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman was asked to comment on the latest cases. He reminded Nebraskans the law is intended primarily for the safety of newborns. Heineman encouraged parents of older children to seek help by calling 211 or local United Way organizations.

More Stories
Residents Fed Up With Graffiti, Vandalism, Violence

Grandmother Booked For Baby's Death

Senators Back To Work In Lincoln

Bank Robber Sought

 Attempted Armed Robbery

What's Going Around

Young Burglars Sought

Funding Needed for Iowa Crime Victims Fund
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Anonymous too on Oct 7, 2008 at 07:48 PM
Hey Anonymous on Oct &th at 9:13, you hit the nail on the head. Why are you hiding your identity
Posted by: Steve on Oct 7, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Three words for the lawmakers who passed this bill.....FIX THE LOOPHOLES ! ! !
Posted by: Mother of 2 on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:29 AM
I don't understand lawmakers! Is an infant more precious that a 12 year old. I guess I would rather people still have a safe place (hospital, fire station) to take their kids that feeling like they need to do something else drastic. Then people will throw a fit because another child was a victim of murder/sucide by a family member that was at their brink. I know that this isn't ideal. But this law is protecting these kids. Just because they aren't a cute-and-so-adoptable infant, why is it that a 7 or 12 year old is less desirable to save in a bad situation. What is wrong with everyone?
Posted by: Bill on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:22 AM
The funny thing is, is that the senators and Govenor have no clue what is going on.
Posted by: To RM on Oct 7, 2008 at 09:30 AM
We live in America and the wonderful thing about it is when a law is passed and it is wrong we CAN say that isn't what was intended and take it back and fix it. The law is being used right, but it needs correcting and we can do that. Learn from your mistakes and move on. Hopefully the state is learning and will correct the mistake but to say its the law and tough well go back to your government class. That is why America exists. Challenge and change what is not right.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Before the government took over raising our kids, people used to dump their kids in orphanages, nunneries and monasteries. The only difference is, before we paid for it by donations to the church, now we pay for it with tax money.
Posted by: To Vicki... on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:22 AM
So what did you end up doing for your daughter. At only 14 and coming home from the hospital in worse shape then when she went in - you mentioned that if "this would have been an option months ago" you might have considered it. Are you referring to the "Safe Haven" option? It sounds like you tried to do the best by your daughter and get her the help she needs. I'm just curious how she is doing today? I would guess she's about 15 - is she home with you? You mentioned she was having thoughts of suicide and threatening siblings and neighbors. Just wondering how she is today?
Posted by: Lisa on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:13 AM
This law floors me. I grew up in Omaha and still think it is the best, family friendly area. I do not agree with this safe haven law. I can understand the difficulty of setting a cut off age but I also think that the total picture needs to be looked at. My question is, what now? Now that the 12 year old has been dropped off, will there be a review of this law. I have 3 children, sometimes they are a handful and things don't go as well as planned but when I chose to have them and raise them, It was not only if the kids were obedient. I don't think that "parents", and I use that term loosely, should just drop them off at the hospital and let someone else take care of their responsibility. Come on Nebraska, let's rethink this law.
Posted by: RM on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Sounds like the law is being used as it was written. You can't write a law and say afterwards that oh bye the way that is not what we meant. The Gov. signed it into law he should shut up about what was intended because I doubt that will hold up in court.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:33 AM
To all the weepy hearts out that say...think about what this is doing to the chidren? I think the parents, family, and any support they have had in the past was considered. Just because they gave their children up, doesn't mean they stopped loving them. If you read the articles in the Sunday paper a few weeks ago, you would come to understand that some of these children are just plain sick. I don't blame parents for giving these children up, and yes it then becomes Joe Taxpayers responsiblity. Well I guess, maybe since the state and other agencies came up with this wonderful idea that you can't discipline your children when they are doing wrong, then maybe the state should come up with a different idea on how to handle the diliquents that these children become due to a lack of discipline. See it is a 2 sided knife, and the kids will play both sides to get exactly what they want. Maybe a stay at a not so nice place will make them appreaciate what they gave up for being stupid.
Posted by: Sandy on Oct 6, 2008 at 09:55 PM
From what I read a couple of weeks ago most of the guardians to these children had contacted Health & Human Services first and they were told to use Safe Haven. Sounds to me like there is a communication issue, someone is not giving HHS the correct information. You can't blame these people they were doing what was suggested and by people who you would think would know. Since government has cut the budget where it really shouldn't be cut there are not very many options for these people to turn to.
Posted by: BArry on Oct 6, 2008 at 09:31 PM
So Vicki what your saying is as long as the actions you your child are tossed to the state and tax payers burden your fine with that? You are obviously a Democrat.. You always want the goverment to step in and live your lives for you and expect the hand outs they love to give!
Posted by: Bill on Oct 6, 2008 at 08:32 PM
When Ben wrote post birth abortion he means that these parents who are abandoning their children at hospitals are terminating their parental rights. It is as if they were never born.....they are gone and they don't have to deal with this "problem" any more. I am sure glad that my parents didn't think that I was too much to handle in my teenage years and I know that I am not going to dump my kids off either no matter how troublesome they me be at times. These "parents" that say they love their kids but can't take care of them are being parents. Step up and take responsibilty for the children YOU chose to have and take care of them. It isn't my responsibility to fix your problems.
Posted by: Dave on Oct 6, 2008 at 08:30 PM
You people are such fricking cry babies. The difference from when i was a kid is parents did not wait till it was too late,they were not so worried about going out with there friends that they missed the signs..Parents right now are becoming that way to early,dont have the funds or emotional support to raise a child then try and blame it on the state for not giving them all those "entitlements"..You know what its YOUR problem..not the states,not the taxpayers..YOURS so sHut up fix the problem BEFORE it starts..or keep your legs closed and your pants on!
Posted by: Pam on Oct 6, 2008 at 07:46 PM
The state says it encourages parents to reach out to family for support which is a joke I took in my sisters kids when she couldn't take care of them & the state wouldn't intervene on their behalf because the children were in a safe home. I was not able to enroll them in school because I wasn't their parent & because they were not wards of the state. I think that the State needs to look at their policies before giving advice that causes a lot more problems for the families willing to help out.
Posted by: A on Oct 6, 2008 at 06:48 PM
For Dave Heineman, if he wants us to be reminded that the law was written to primarily care for the safety of newborns, THEN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN WRITTEN TO COVER ONLY NEWBORNS! Our state is a joke, first being the last to adopt a safe haven law and then to write one that anyone can drop off kids at any age.
Posted by: Denise on Oct 6, 2008 at 06:19 PM
What is sad is that no one is considering the psychological welfare of these children. For whatever reasons the parents felt they could no longer handle them, but do you really think anyone is going to be able to help them now? At 12 years old, to know that the people who are supposed to love you unconditionally are abandoning you because it is easier for them -- how do you ever trust again? Thanks NE lawmakers for hurting more children.
Posted by: Parent on Oct 6, 2008 at 05:58 PM
1. Not all difficult behavior children are caused by bad parenting skills. 2. The system has many flaws! alot of red tape and not enough action. 3.Why stop having kids? The system damms you when you want to go out and be supportive for your family but still need alittle help! to make ends met! your better off not working and getting the free ride! ask any case worker!~ they tell this to people all the time. they did my son, who has sole custody! 4.Tough love is a wonderful thing! but that hasnt anything to do with CONTROL! You oviously have young children who are yet scared to death of you . not respect you. 5. Heather Oct 6th! Now you are my dear! a human being with compassion and knowledge. 6. Shame on ever one who is more worried about what not to do! rather then how to make it a win -win situation. Bless the safe children and may God! save many more. OF ALL AGES
Posted by: Todd on Oct 6, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Well, why shouldn't they shirk their responsibilities to take care of the life that probably came about after a Friday night of fun. Hell we don't even have to pay for mortgages we sat down and signed, anymore. Someone else will take that responsibility for us.
Posted by: Dan on Oct 6, 2008 at 05:19 PM
How come they always dump them on a Sunday? Why not on Wednesday or Thursday?
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 6, 2008 at 04:49 PM
My sons father beat me up before he left and it has now been four years since we've seen or heard from him. It is a struggle to do things by yourself. People please be informed before making such rash judgements and accusations. The world is not full of "world peace". Every problem has a solution and my problems and solutions begin with me. First I need to look at my life then look at my friends and family. What can I do to be a productive member of society.
Posted by: Tammy on Oct 6, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Why are this parents really dropping off their babies??? Is money the main problem right now? I only have one at home, and at times it's hard to make ends meet.
Posted by: Zimmy on Oct 6, 2008 at 04:43 PM
You know, if people would keep their legs closed, instead of having 9 offspring, we wouldn't be having these stories, now, would we?
Posted by: B on Oct 6, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Are you kidding me Todd Landry? Don't you think these parents have tried everything they can think of? Are you really that naive? These drop offs should be telling HHS the system is broken and these parents NEED HELP!!! When even Leslie Byers (who was a well informed and well paid county employee) says there is not enough help that should tell you something. Pull your head out of the sand and develop some options for these people. If you don't have any ideas then you need to step down and let Governor Heineman find someone that does. These youth are who I pay taxes to support. Do your job Todd Landry and HHS!!!!!
Posted by: DebW on Oct 6, 2008 at 04:38 PM
To Mom of 7 boys, Amen Momma...I to chose to have and raise my children...To marry and stay married...In this disposable society it seems we can dump our spouse or our children...much like we dump the trash. No one has to work at things anymore and the statistics show it. Heather has an idea...reach out and help...If we showed a little more patience and tolerance there just might be more love and understanding...Praying for the children who will forever need help...
Posted by: JLONOW on Oct 6, 2008 at 04:10 PM
To Heather, very well said. We should be able to count on each other for help. My daughter doesn' hesitate to help another teen in need, but us adults are too afraid of the ramifications if we interfer. Blaming these parents is not the solution. Empathy is the first step, becoming personally involved is the next. Every person reading this probably knows at least one person who feels like he is she is running out of options with a troubled teen or pre-teen. Most people just don't know how to ask for help or who to ask. To Anonymous, I understand your frustration and it sounds as if you are speaking from personal experience, but remember that everyone has a right to express his or her opinion here, not just those who have gone through it. Hearing (or reading) the opposing view may help see things from a different perspective, which may lead to answers.
Posted by: S on Oct 6, 2008 at 03:53 PM
I think the law is good as it is. If these parents can't handle their kids and feel their only option is to drop them off, they shouldn't have been parents in the first place! Get the kids some assistance and somewhere better to live that they can flourish instead of being with deadbeat parents. I have a handful child, but would never imagine dropping him off... Because I care about my children. These people obviously don't, so get the kids out of the bad homes and into decent ones. My next thought is all of you having 10 kids, think about adopting one next time... how many children are there out there that need love and support? If you think you are such a good parent, then be one and adopt a poor child that needs a home... Those of you who don't believe in ABORTION, adopt a poor child that needs a home... Until you can do this, you shouldn't look down on other people's decisions to make better lives for the children in this world!
Posted by: DBM on Oct 6, 2008 at 02:56 PM
BJ ---- I do not see you stepping up to the plate to take in the children.
Posted by: Tom on Oct 6, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Better to have these young ones left somewhere where it's safe then dead. Hope all young ones are going to get and are getting the correct help for their futures.
Posted by: Vicki on Oct 6, 2008 at 02:32 PM
I see both sides of this issue. I have a 14 year old, who in the last year became more than I could handle. She was a good kid, did well in school, she had her times, but so does every kid. Then, she completely changed. She became increasingly aggressive, picking fights with everyone, including my 2 younger children ages 5 and 3. She would just lock herself in her room and not talk to anyone, she started stealing from us, and from everyone in our family, even from neighbors. She started talking about suicide. I did absolutely everything I could to get help. We took her to a psychiatrist, admitted her to the hospital for evaluation. She wouldnt speak to the shrink, completely fooled the doctors at the hospital, and then came home worse than before. She was pulling knives on her 17 year old brother, and threatening the younger kids. And, we couldn't get any help from anyone for her. So, what would you do? If this had been an option a few months ago, I might have considered it!
Posted by: anon on Oct 6, 2008 at 02:28 PM
This situation only goes to show that local and state governments dont offer enough of the right help for parents, or for single folks for that matter, when they ask for it. These kids needed help along time ago, what happened?
Posted by: SJ on Oct 6, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I just don't think this should be used as a way for a parent to not have to deal with their children anymore. However I would rather have babies left at a safe haven rather than sick people putting them in a dumpster. All I'm saying is that the law needs to be revised and have an age limit. There are other ways to deal with a difficult child. As for the people who are dropping off teens newsflash Teens can be hard to deal with. Just because you're having trouble with your teen doesn't mean you should drop them off. GET HELP!
Posted by: Bill on Oct 6, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Hey Anonymous..while I feel for you..why should it be the tax payers job to fix the problem? It is not and should not be! END OF DISCUSSION! I will no longer pay taxes as long as the goverment FORCES me to raise other peoples children and fix THEIR problems!
Posted by: Christina on Oct 6, 2008 at 02:02 PM
How is leaving your child in the states custody comparable to abortion? These parents did not kill their children.
Posted by: Dave on Oct 6, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Heather..that is not what we need. We need people who are not finacially,menatlly or emotionally able to care from a child from conception to adulthood to STOP HAVING UNPROTECTED SEX! I am so sick and tired of raising kids on my tax dollars while I struggle to pay bills while others are given ever single entitlemnt out there becxause they can't keep their pants.
Posted by: To anonymous: on Oct 6, 2008 at 01:47 PM
You are right that tough love is the only option sometimes but giving up your kid is FAR from the definition of tough love. If these kids would have been disiciplined from the beginning, they would not be out of control now. I'm not saying just the kids that have been dropped off but all kids who are "out of control". And yes, I do have kids, and they respect me and the rules I have for them.
Posted by: Ben on Oct 6, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Post birth abortion. Thats what this is!
Posted by: BJ on Oct 6, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Who care about the legality of this whole thing? My concern is for the children. What can be going thru these youngsters minds and hearts when they see their parent or parents, (term used very loosly) driving away? This is the same as abortion only the fetus has grown and was born. No difference.
Posted by: Heather on Oct 6, 2008 at 12:45 PM
This development of dropping off children older than a few months old is showing us that, as a society and community, we need to have information available to parents and families about resources. Teachers are often the first to notice family difficulties but they are overloaded. Social Services are too. How do we get information out beyond what is done (and budgeted for) now? Neighbors used to get more involved with one another's children but in our litegious society this is now a daring move. I say that we become daring! Reach out at school, at churches and other social gathering places, and most of all, in our neighborhoods. If you know you need help, kids or parents, go to your school and ask for their help list. Talk to a neighbor and ask for guidance to resources. Just having another person dial a phone number for you can be a life saver. We have resources, maybe limited, but between our medical, and community at large, I know we can help one another.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 6, 2008 at 12:37 PM
If you don't have a child that is out of control, and hasn't caused undo harm to you, or your family, then please don't post your comments here. You have no idea what an out of control child can do to ruin a marriage and/or family. Having tried everything legally under ths sun, and to stay within bounds of CPS it leaves a family no other choice. Would you rather see the child on the street. Not all behaviors are treatable by families ant there support, sometimes family intervention is needed, and sometimes the thought of tough love is the only thing that turns these teens into a productive member of society.
Posted by: SF on Oct 6, 2008 at 12:29 PM
I think that it does need to be re-evaluated but still also better dropped off then found dead.
Posted by: Bridget on Oct 6, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Let's look at the big picture. There are obviously problems within the system if this many people are leaving older children. Instead of calling a special session to "fix" the bill, let's use the money to fix the gaps in the health and human services system.
Posted by: OmahaAnnie on Oct 6, 2008 at 12:24 PM
The law is good,it us just being used for the wrong reason. Children don't wake up at age 15 uncontrollable. Parenting starts at birth. I believe that most of these parents didn't develop or enforce rules. Shame on them.
Posted by: RM on Oct 6, 2008 at 12:17 PM
What do you say to your kid? You have become a brat and I don't want you anymore? Hope the Gov. and the Ne Legislature use more scense during the next session.
Posted by: Mom of 7 boys on Oct 6, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I have 7 boys, 3 are still at home. It is really hard these days to raise children. However, I CHOSE to have these children. My husband and I have worked and sent 4 to college. There were trying times, but NEVER did I ever consider "dropping" them off. It was our choice to have them, and our responsibility to raise them. There were strict rules enforced and consequences to pay when they were not followed; that is what a parent does. Wake up folks, these children are your responsibility.
Posted by: must be crazy! on Oct 6, 2008 at 11:45 AM
UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!! I am so sad for these poor kids who just get dumped!
Posted by: A MOM on Oct 6, 2008 at 11:28 AM
As a mom of 5 one of which was a handful, I don't understand just dropping off your child. This law really needs to be revised. At 12 they are doing more damage then good just abandoning them.
AP Online Network
YOU CAST - YOUR PICS N VIDEOS
Media Partners
 
Home - News - Weather - Sports - Jobs - Community - Pics N Videos - Station - Marketplace - 6 on Your Side - Contests - Get Connected - Blogs -
Health Check - Lottery - DTV - Seasonal - Mom to Mom - Traffic - The Omaha Buzz - CityCAMS - My Weather - School Closings - HS Cribs - Restaurants - McKnight Investigates -
Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - EEO Statement - FCC Form 388
Gray Television, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2009 - Designed and Powered by Clickability