Macon County Law Enforcement Center (MCLC) Comprehensive State Practice Exam

Can parents who relinquish their child under the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act be legally held accountable for child abandonment?

1. Yes, they can be held accountable

2. No, they cannot be held accountable

3. It depends on the circumstances

4. Only if the child was not abandoned safely

The correct answer is: No, they cannot be held accountable

Under the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act, parents who relinquish their newborns in accordance with the provisions of the law are provided legal immunity from prosecution for child abandonment. This is to encourage parents in crisis to safely surrender their infants without fear of legal repercussions. The act typically outlines specific safe locations where infants can be relinquished, such as hospitals or designated fire stations. When parents follow these guidelines, they are not subjected to criminal charges related to abandonment, as the law aims to protect both the children and the parents in difficult situations. This legal protection serves to promote the welfare of the child by ensuring they are placed in a safe environment while also alleviating the fears of parents who may feel unable to care for their child. Understanding this framework clarifies the implications of the act and highlights that the focus is on the safe surrender of infants rather than punitive measures against parents who comply with the law.