2021 West Virginia Code
Chapter 49. Child Welfare
Article 4. Court Actions
§49-4-201. Accepting Possession of Certain Relinquished Children
(a) A hospital or health care facility operating in this state, or a fire department that has been designated a safe-surrender site under 49-4-206 of this code, shall, without a court order, take possession of a child if the child is voluntarily delivered to the hospital, health care facility, or fire department by the childs parent within 30 days of the childs birth, and the parent did not express an intent to return for the child.
(b) A hospital, health care facility, or fire department that takes possession of a child under this article shall perform any act necessary to protect the physical health or safety of the child. In accepting possession of the child, the hospital, health care facility, or fire department may not require the person to identify himself or herself and shall otherwise respect the persons desire to remain anonymous.
