CATHEDRAL CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
William M. Soqui / Fire Chief

Safe Surrender

          No Shame.

          No Blame.

          No Names.

Now there's a way to safely surrender your baby.

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What Is The Safely Surrendered Law?

The Safely Surrendered Baby Law (also known as the Safe Haven or Newborn Abandonment Law) was signed into law by Governor Davis in September 2000 and went into effect on January 01, 2001. The purpose of the law is to protect babies from being hurt or killed because they were abandoned. The law allows a parent or legal guardian to confidentially surrender an infant, three days old or younger, to any hospital emergency room, Cathedral City Fire Department fire station, Cathedral City Fire Department administrative offices, or any other designated Safe Surrender site. As long as the baby has not been abused or neglected, the person may surrender the baby without fear of arrest or prosecution for child abandonment.

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On August 01, 2003, legislation was enacted in the State of California that strengthens the existing Safely Surrendered Baby Law by:
 

1. Expanding the criteria for safe surrender personnel authorized to accept physical custody of an infant to "any personnel on duty at a safe surrender site".
    

2. Protecting the confidentiality of a parent who surrenders a child.
    

3. Requiring safe surrender sites to post uniform signage.
    

4. Requiring a safe surrender site to notify child protective services as soon as possible after an infant has been surrendered.
    

5. Requiring child protective services to report information regarding the surrendered infant to the California Missing Children Clearinghouse and National Crime Information Center.
    

6. Clarifying that possession of the identification bracelet does not establish parentage or a right to custody of the child.

Download an informative brochure by clicking on the links above.

These brochures are available in either English or Spanish.

Download an informative fact-sheet by clicking on the links above.

These brochures are available in either English or Spanish.

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Published Copyright 2004 Cathedral City Fire Department