Senator At Large Angel L. Bolques Jr. Organizes and Partners with VITEMA and the National Safe Haven Alliance to Train USVI First Responders on Act 8798, the Safe Haven Newborn Protection Law

U.S. Virgin Islands — The Office of Angel L. Bolques Jr., Senator at Large, has organized, in partnership with the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA), a territory-wide training initiative to ensure first responders are fully equipped to implement the Safe Haven Newborn Protection Act (Act 8798). As the primary sponsor of Act 8798, Senator Bolques championed this law, enacted in 2023, to establish a safe, legal, and anonymous option for parents in crisis. The law aligns with national Safe Haven standards and provides a secure alternative for parents who cannot care for their newborns. Under this legislation, parents can legally and safely relinquish newborns at hospitals, fire stations, police stations, or emergency medical facilities without fear of prosecution. Infants receive immediate medical care and protection under the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services, ensuring their safety and well-being. The Office of Senator at Large Angel L. Bolques Jr. has taken the lead in inviting, organizing, and helping to provide this critical training to first responders across the territory. Through this partnership with the National Safe Haven Alliance and VITEMA, first responders will receive the necessary training, knowledge, and protocols to effectively implement the Safe Haven Newborn Protection Act (Act 8798) and ensure the safety of vulnerable newborns. “I want to thank VITEMA and the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) for assisting my office by letting the Safe Haven Alliance trainers utilize their facilities to conduct the training,” said Senator Bolques. At the invitation of Senator At Large Angel L. Bolques Jr., the National Safe Haven Alliance delegation will travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands and have the opportunity to experience the rich cultural traditions of the U.S. Virgin Islands while engaging with the community. As part of their visit, Senator Bolques requested that the delegation attend and participate at the Agricultural Fair on St. Croix, where they will connect with the public, distribute educational materials, and provide essential information about the Safe Haven Initiative. This outreach effort will help raise awareness, encourage community involvement, and ensure every resident understands their rights and responsibilities under the law. “Act 8798 is a promise to protect the most vulnerable in our territory,” said Senator at Large Angel L. Bolques Jr. “Parents facing an unplanned crisis now have a safe alternative, and our first responders will have the training to act quickly and effectively. This initiative saves lives and strengthens our emergency response system.” Raising awareness is key to making the Safe Haven Initiative work. I urge everyone to visit the Safe Haven Alliance booth and their website below to learn how this law protects newborns, supports parents, and benefits the territory. Passed in 2023, Act 8798, sponsored by Senator at Large Angel L. Bolques Jr., establishes the Safe Haven Newborn Protection Act in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This law allows parents to safely and anonymously relinquish newborns at hospitals, police stations, fire stations, and emergency medical facilities without fear of prosecution. Once relinquished, infants receive immediate medical care and are placed in the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services custody, ensuring their protection, care, and placement. The U.S. Virgin Islands finally joins a nationwide representation to prevent unsafe infant abandonment and provide parents with compassionate, legally protected options in times of crisis. Safe Haven Newborn Protection Act Training (Only available for First Responders of the Government of the Virgin Islands and Media Representatives)  

Safe Haven Alliance & First Responders Training Schedule 📍 St. Thomas – February 13, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Omar Brown Sr. Fire Station 📍 St. Croix – February 15, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 VITEMA Headquarters Learn more: https://www.nationalsafehavenalliance.org/  ###