The Florida Catholic Conference and Catholic Charities have a long and successful history in advocating for the needs of children and families. As licensed child-placing agencies, Catholic Charities have been leaders in child placement and have provided good and successful adoption placements since 1943. This collaborative effort involves the well-being of not only the child, but also of many others, including adoptive parents, other siblings, birth parents, and birth grandparents.

   The Florida Catholic Conference supports HB 1901 and HB 1903 (SB 2080 and SB 2082) which are a compassionate response to the recent abandonment of newborn babies. The young mothers are evidently unaware of the opportunities for help and support in the community around them. While the Catholic community cannot condone the behavior of these young mothers, as a people of faith, we cannot condemn these obviously frightened, embarrassed and confused children who are having children.

   Representative Murman's bills (Senator Grant's bills) seek to prevent the future abandonment of babies in life-threatening situations where the babies may suffer and die. By offering anonymity, confidentiality, and freedom from prosecution for the parents, we may save the newborn infant's life. Every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. The conviction that human life is sacred and that each person has inherent dignity that must be respected in society lies at the heart of Catholic social teaching. The Florida Catholic Conference believes that every human life is sacred, including the life of an abandoned baby.

   The Catholic community is deeply saddened by the tragic incidents of abandonment which have occurred in Florida recently. We are committed to offering outreach services through Catholic Charities where young women and families can find hope and help when they are confused and in a crisis. Abandonment and abuse of children are symptoms of a troubled society. We hope and pray that this Jubilee year will herald a renewed commitment to core values of dignity and respect for life.

   Catholic Charities agencies in Florida are willing to respond to a call from a hospital if a baby is abandoned. We will seek an order from the circuit court for emergency custody of the baby which remains in effect until the court orders preliminary approval of placement in the prospective adoptive home. Catholic Charities will request assistance from the law enforcement officials to investigate and determine, through the Missing Children Information Clearinghouse, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and any other national and state resources, whether or not the newborn infant is a missing child. Within seven days after accepting custody of the baby, Catholic Charities will initiate a diligent search to notify and to obtain consent from a parent other than the parent who has abandoned a newborn infant. Official contact with and the signing of consent by the birth father will be sought, whenever possible. If a birth parent returns to claim the child, personal counseling for the birth parent is essential. Catholic Charities will arrange counseling if the birth parents desire this service.

   Catholic Charities will apply for Medicaid coverage until the baby is placed in an adoptive home. The agency assumes responsibility for all medical costs, so it is necessary for the agency to apply for Medicaid coverage under the current procedure used now with Title IV E of the Social Security Act. This will allow for ongoing Medicaid eligibility. The Department of Children and Families recognizes that this will be a duplicate application, but this is the procedure to follow in the case of an abandoned baby.

   Catholic Charities agencies will arrange for a good, final placement as the goal of a well-arranged adoption. The well-being of the child as well as of the birth parents, adoptive parents and siblings will be considered.

   The Florida Catholic Conference supports HB 1901 and HB 1903 (SB 2080 and SB 2082) as they are a compassionate response to those most in need of our understanding and love.

                                                                                                 Patricia M. Chivers
                                                                                                 Associate for Social Concerns