City of Yuma Highlights Safe Haven Program on Anniversary of Baby Sonny’s Passing

As the Yuma community reflects on the one-year anniversary of Baby Sonny's passing, the City of Yuma is reminding residents about the importance of Arizona's Safe Haven Program-an initiative designed to protect infants and provide compassionate support to families in crisis.

Baby Sonny's story deeply impacted the Yuma community, bringing attention to the need for awareness, education, and accessible resources for parents facing difficult circumstances. In the year since, community partners have continued efforts to ensure families know they are not alone and that safe, legal options are available.

As part of these efforts, Yuma's locally designated Safe Haven locations are marked with a custom logo-designed by City of Yuma Communications staff-that incorporates Baby Sonny's footprints, a simple but meaningful symbol of remembrance, awareness, and the community's shared commitment to protecting its most vulnerable.

The Safe Haven Program offers parents a safe, legal, and anonymous option to surrender a newborn, up to 30 days old, at designated Safe Haven locations. This ensures the infant's immediate safety and well-being, while connecting families with supportive resources and care.

"A safe start should never be out of reach. Safe Havens ensure that in a moment of crisis - safety and compassion lead the way, and every child in our community is given the chance to be safe, protected, and cared for," said Tori Bourguignon, Executive Director at Amberly's Place.

About the Program

Arizona's Safe Haven Law (ARS § 13-3623.01), enacted in 2001, allows a parent to legally and safely surrender an unharmed newborn up to 30 days old at a designated Safe Haven site. No names or personal information are required, and parents are protected from prosecution if the infant is within the age limit and unharmed. Safe Haven sites include hospitals, fire stations, and other designated facilities where trained staff are available.

Safe Haven Locations in Yuma County

Designated Safe Haven sites are available throughout Yuma County, including local hospitals and fire stations staffed 24/7. Each location is marked with a Safe Haven sign for easy identification.

For a full listing of Safe Haven sites in Yuma County, visit www.yumaaz.gov/safehaven.

Community Resources

In addition to Safe Haven sites, families in crisis can access help through community partners:

• Arizona Department of Child Safety Hotline: 1-888-767-2445
• National Safe Haven Alliance Crisis Hotline: 1-888-510-2229
• Catholic Community Services - Yuma: (928) 341-9400
• Amberly's Place: (928) 373-0849

Working Together for Safe Families

The Safe Haven Program in Yuma is supported through collaboration among the City of Yuma, Yuma Fire Department, Onvida Health, Amberly's Place and other community partners. Together, these organizations are working to ensure that no infant in Yuma County is left without safety, care, and a chance at a healthy future.

For more information about the Safe Haven Program, visit www.yumaaz.gov/safehaven.