What is the
Safely Surrendered Baby Law?
The Safely Surrendered Baby Law allows a parent or
person with
lawful custody to surrender a baby confidentially, without
fear of arrest or prosecution for child abandonment. This
law allows for at least a 14-day cooling off period, which
begins the day the child is voluntarily surrendered.
During this period, the person who surrendered the child can
return to the hospital to reclaim the child.
How Does it Work?
A parent who is unable or unwilling to care for an infant
can legally and
confidentially surrender their baby within 3 days of birth.
Babies may be surrendered to any public or private hospital
emergency room in California. A bracelet will be placed on
the baby for identification and a matching
bracelet will be given to the parent. The bracelet will help
identify the child if the parent changes their mind during
the cooling off period. A baby can be safely surrendered 24
hours a day, 7 days a week.
Does a Parent Have to Give Any Information to the people
Taking the Baby?
No. Nothing is required. Hospital personnel will give the
parent a medical
information questionnaire designed to gather family medical
history, which would be useful in caring for the child. It
is up to the parent if they wish to give any additional
information concerning the baby.
 What Happens to the Baby?
Safely surrendered babies are given a medical exam and
placed in a foster home or pre-adoptive home.
What Happens to the Parent?
Parents who safely surrender their baby may leave the
hospital
emergency room without fear of arrest or prosecution for
child abandonment. Their identity will remain confidential
and they will have the comfort of knowing their baby will
remain in safe hands. If during the cooling off period the
parents decide that they want to reclaim the baby, they can
take the identifying bracelet back to the hospital, where
staff will provide information about the baby.
Why is California Doing This?
The purpose of the Safely Surrendered Baby Law is to protect
infants from
 abandonment. Abandoning an infant puts the
child in extreme danger and is also illegal. The new law
helps prevent exposing the child to the risks of abandonment
and helps protect the parent from prosecution for criminal
child abandonment. Under this new law, no one ever has to
abandon a child again.
Who Can I Contact for More Information?
If you or someone you know wants to surrender a baby, please
take the child to any hospital emergency room. Remember: no
shame, no blame, no names . . . it’s the law. If you would
like to know more information about the Safely Surrendered
Baby Law, please contact us. |
