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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:
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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".
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Protecting the
confidentiality of a parent who surrenders a child.
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Requiring safe surrender
sites to post uniform signage.
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Requiring a safe surrender
site to notify child protective services as soon as
possible after an infant has been surrendered.
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Requiring child protective
services to report information regarding the surrendered
infant to the California Missing Children Clearinghouse
and National Crime Information Center.
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Clarifying that possession
of the identification bracelet does not establish
parentage or a right to custody of the child. |
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Download an informative brochure by clicking on the
links above.
These brochures are available in either English or
Spanish. |
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Download an informative factsheet by clicking on the
links above.
These
brochures are available in either English or Spanish. |
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(Under
Construction)