Baby dropped off at Beavercreek Police

BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (WDTN) - A baby boy, less than 24 hours old, was legally turned over to Beavercreek Police Monday night.

"It's commonly called the Ohio Safe Haven Act or Law , where somebody can voluntarily bring {a baby} to a police department, a hospital, or a first responder. The Ohio Revised Code states that it has to be less than 72 hours old," says Cpt. Jeff Fiorita of the Beavercreek Police Department.

The newborn was taken to the hospital. Police say he was in good health. He is now in the custody of Greene County Children's Services and will be placed in a loving home. Police applaud the parent's actions.

"The person that brought the child in, was acting in good faith. They did what they were supposed to do in this case," explains Cpt. Fiorita.

It's important for women to know they can seek help earlier, as well.

Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley is a non-profit organization, serving 8 counties. It helps about a hundred women every year, at any stage.

Services are free, confidential and you don't have to be Catholic.

"We are happy when a woman calls us early in pregnancy. If she calls us after she delivers a baby, we're available then, as well. Anytime throughout the pregnancy, if she is needing help and information," comments executive director Laura Roesch of Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley.

The charity has professional social workers and counselors on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for support.

"You won't be judged. We won't tell you what to do but we'll look at what's best for your baby and find a plan, whether it's adoption or parenting, what's best for the baby and for you, as well," explains Roesch.

For more information on Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, go here .