Safely Surrender Baby Law NR14092sm

Save Lives of Newborn Infants at Risk of Abandonment

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department reminds the public of the Safely Surrender Baby Law.  The law is intended to save lives of newborn infants at risk of abandonment by encouraging parents or persons with lawful custody to safely surrender the infant within 72 hours of birth, no questions asked.

Today, a newborn baby boy was surrendered at Los Angeles Fire Station 57.  The paramedics advised officers that a male walked into the fire station and handed them the newborn baby.  The male stated to the paramedics that the mother was unable to care for the child.  The child was transported to a local hospital and the Department of Children and Family Services was notified.

The Safely Surrender Baby Law (SSB) requires the baby be taken to a fire station, a public or private hospital, or other safe surrender site, as determined by the local County Board of Supervisors.
California Penal Code Section 271.5 protects surrendering individuals from prosecution of abandonment.

The Safely Surrender Baby Law states:

• A Parent or person in Lawful custody may surrender a baby within 3 days of birth
• Individuals surrendering baby are from child abandonment laws
• SSB does not require names to be given when baby is surrendered
• Parents may also reclaim baby within 14 days of baby being surrendered

SSB posters and brochures are available, free of charge, to requesting individuals and organizations. Visit www.babysafe.ca.gov/  for more information.

If you are looking for a safe surrender site dial 1-877-BABY-SAF (1-877-222-9723)