Greenville, South Carolina, October 8, 2025
News Summary
A baby girl was surrendered at Prisma Health–Greenville Memorial Hospital, marking the fifth infant surrender in South Carolina this year under the Safe Haven Act. The law allows parents to relinquish infants up to 60 days old at designated safe havens. Following her surrender, the infant was placed in the custody of the Greenville County DSS and will undergo a series of hearings regarding parental rights. Since its enactment in 2001, a total of 74 infants have been surrendered under this law, which provides safe alternatives for parents in crisis.
Greenville, South Carolina – A baby girl was surrendered at Prisma Health–Greenville Memorial Hospital on September 16, 2025, marking the fifth infant surrendered under South Carolina’s Safe Haven Act, also known as Daniel’s Law, this year. This act allows parents to safely relinquish infants up to 60 days old at designated safe havens, including hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and fire stations.
According to the details provided, the infant girl was born on September 3, 2025, weighing 4 pounds, 9.4 ounces and measuring 17.3 inches long. Following her surrender, she was taken into custody by the Greenville County Department of Social Services (DSS). The agency completed a medical evaluation for the child before placing her in a licensed foster home.
A Permanency Planning Hearing and a Termination of Parental Rights Hearing are scheduled for October 28, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Greenville County Family Court. Any individuals claiming parental rights are required to attend this hearing to assert their claims.
This recent surrender brings the total number of infants relinquished under Daniel’s Law since its inception in 2001 to 74, with five of those occurring in the year 2024. The law aims to provide a safe alternative for parents who may feel they cannot care for their newborns, thereby preventing abandonment and providing protection for vulnerable infants.
In 2025, there have been five total surrenders in South Carolina, indicating a rising trend compared to previous years. The surrender of infants under Daniel’s Law is an important provision aimed at safeguarding both the health of the child and the well-being of parents in distress.
Since its enactment, Daniel’s Law has served as a critical resource for families in crisis. It is essential for individuals to be aware of the options available through this law, which saves lives and offers a second chance for children in need of care and stability.
Understanding Daniel’s Law
Daniel’s Law, formally known as South Carolina’s Safe Haven for Abandoned Babies Act, was signed into law in 2001. It allows parents with infants up to 60 days old to safely surrender their children without facing legal repercussions. Historically, the law has been a vital tool in reducing infant abandonment and ensuring safer circumstances for newborns.
Statistics on Infant Surrenders
The surrender of the fifth infant this year is significant in highlighting the ongoing need for awareness about the Safe Haven Act. With a total of 74 infants surrendered since the law was enacted, community education about the law may contribute to further successful surrenders in the future.
Conclusion
The recent surrender at Prisma Health–Greenville Memorial Hospital underlines the importance of programs like Daniel’s Law in South Carolina. As the state continues to provide safe alternatives for families in need, it becomes crucial for communities to support these initiatives and ensure that all individuals are informed about their options.
FAQ
What is Daniel’s Law?
Daniel’s Law allows parents to surrender infants up to 60 days old at designated safe havens, including hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and fire stations.
When was the baby girl surrendered?
A baby girl was surrendered at Prisma Health–Greenville Memorial Hospital on September 16, 2025.
What was the baby girl’s birth weight and length?
The infant was born on September 3, 2025, weighing 4 pounds, 9.4 ounces and measuring 17.3 inches long.
What actions were taken after the surrender?
The child was taken into custody by Greenville County Department of Social Services (DSS) after being surrendered. A medical evaluation was completed by DSS, and the baby was placed in a licensed foster home.
What hearings are scheduled following the surrender?
A Permanency Planning Hearing and a Termination of Parental Rights Hearing are set for October 28, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Greenville County Family Court. Those claiming parental rights must attend the hearing to assert their claims.
How many infants have been surrendered under Daniel’s Law in 2025?
This incident marks the fifth infant surrendered under Daniel’s Law in South Carolina in 2025.
How many total infants have been relinquished under Daniel’s Law since 2001?
Since the law was signed into effect in 2001, a total of 74 infants have been relinquished under it, with five of those occurring in the year 2024.
Chart of Key Features of Daniel’s Law
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Surrender | September 16, 2025 |
| Birth Date of Infant | September 3, 2025 |
| Weight | 4 pounds, 9.4 ounces |
| Length | 17.3 inches |
| Scheduled Hearings | October 28, 2025 |
| Total Surrenders in 2025 | 5 |
| Total Surrenders Since 2001 | 74 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Safe Surrender of Newborn Under Daniel’s Law in Greenville
Baby Girl Surrendered Under Daniel’s Law in Greenville
Newborn Safe Haven Surrendered in Greenville County
Additional Resources
- WLTX
- Post and Courier
- Greenville Journal
- WYFF4
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Safe Haven Laws in the United States
- Google Search: Daniel’s Law South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Daniel’s Law
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Safe Haven Laws
- Google News: infant surrender under Daniels Law
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
