§ 23-3-11 — § 23-3-11. Infants of unknown parentage — Foundling registration.

§ 23-3-11. Infants of unknown parentage — Foundling registration.

(a) Whoever assumes the custody of a living infant of unknown parentage shall report on a form and in the manner prescribed by the state registrar of vital records within four (4) days to the local registrar of the city or town in which the child was found, the following information:

(1) The date and place of finding;

(2) Sex, color or race, and approximate age of child;

(3) Name and address of the persons or institution with whom the child has been placed for care;

(4) Name given to the child by the custodian; and

(5) Other data required by the state registrar of vital records.

(b) The place where the child was found shall be entered as the place of birth and the date of birth shall be determined by approximation.

(c) A report registered under this section shall constitute the certificate of birth for the infant.

(d) If the child is identified and a certificate of birth is found or obtained, any report registered under this section shall be sealed and filed and may be opened only by order of a court of competent jurisdiction or as provided by regulation.

Legislative History

G.L. 1938, ch. 268, § 26; P.L. 1948, ch. 2042, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 23-3-7; G.L. 1956, § 23-3-11; P.L. 1961, ch. 87, § 1.