BRENT HARDIN, co-anchor:

In the past month alone, two parents have used Connecticut's little known Safe Haven law. That's the law that allows parents to bring an infant 30 days or younger to any hospital emergency room and avoid prosecution for abandonment. As FOX 61's Jim Altman tells us, today at St. Francis Hospital there were real-life examples of how the program works.

JIM ALTMAN reporting:

There are lots of reasons to smile when you look at 16-month-old Hanna or when you watch one-year-old Colton. St. Francis Hospital was the setting to amplify the importance of Connecticut's Safe Haven law.

Ms. SUSAN HAMILTON (Dept. of Children and Families): We've seen stories about the alternatives, not only in Connecticut but nationally, babies left in dumpsters, families and parents feeling like they don't have any other options.

ALTMAN: DCF commissioner Susan Hamilton says the Safe Haven law offers just that.

Ms. HAMILTON: It really allows a parent to bring any newborn baby under the age of 30 days to any emergency department of any hospital in Connecticut. Your baby will be safe and will be placed with a loving, permanent family.

ALTMAN: The law was enacted nine years ago and since 2000, 11 Safe Haven babies have been brought to Connecticut hospitals all across the state, essentially giving them a new lease on life.

It was Christmas of 2007 when Holly and David helped provide a haven for Hanna.

Ms. HOLLY DESIMONE (Adoptive Parent): She's the best Christmas present we could have ever asked for. They tell you it takes months, it could take years before you get the right child that's suited for you and then just one day a phone call at 11:00 in the morning and by 4:00 in the afternoon you have a new baby girl in your arms.

MICHAEL (Adoptive Parent): The law is there to, you know, protect the mother and also give the child an opportunity. There's so many families out there that are--can offer so much.

ALTMAN: Colton likes our microphone. You can play with it after the interview.

You could say these success stories are the net results, or, more fittingly, the safety net results.

Unidentified Woman (Adoptive Parent): It's so important that both the children are the safe and that these mothers are not prosecuted, and that the word be spread because it saves lives.

ALTMAN: In Hartford, Jim Altman, FOX 61 NEWS AT 10.

HARDIN: The Department of Children and Families has more information on the Save Haven program on their Web site. You can go to fox61.com for a link. They are also looking for more foster families to help. The number to call is on your TV: 888-KID-HERO.