An Omaha father's abandonment of his nine children Wednesday is the latest alarming incident prompting state officials to call for change in LB 157, Nebraska's Safe Haven Law.

Director of the Division of Children and Family Services Todd Landry said, "I am very concerned that people are deciding that they no longer want to be a parent and are taking advantage of LB 157. It must be modified to focus on infants who are in immediate danger of being harmed."

Governor Dave Heineman confirmed he wants to change the law next year, but could call a special session if large numbers of drop-offs continue.

"I hope that doesn't happen and I hope we don't have to deal with it. But if it does, we're prepared to do that," said Heineman.

The Department of Health and Human Services says while the law was intended to protect a helpless child in immediate danger like an infant left outside, not one of the children abandoned under LB 157 is an infant or endangered. And officials say this reveals a public misconception.

"Some in the public believe that once a child is dropped off at a hospital, the parents are absolved of all responsibility. That could not be farther from the truth," said Landry.

In fact, the department says not only are the parents still responsible for their children, local law enforcement can file charges against them if abuse or neglect is uncovered, and the courts can even charge child support payments while the child is in state custody.

That's why experts say it's best to ask for help from community services like calling the United Way's Hotline at 211.