California “Safely Surrender Child Law” Apparently A Success

Tuesday, 07 November 2006 01:28

California “Safely Surrender Child Law” Apparently A Success

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A recent California law entitled the Safely Surrendered Child Law allows for the voluntary surrender of a baby within 72 hours of birth. Under this law a parent or parent(s) can safely surrender their baby and be protected from prosecution for child abandonment. This law makes it easier for a parent who might otherwise abandon their baby in an unsafe place to have an alternate solution. The law allows a parent who is unable or unwilling to care for their baby to safely surrender the baby within three days of birth. All that is required is that the baby be given to an on-duty employee of a hospital or safe haven site in California.

An ID bracelet will be placed on the baby’s ankle and a matching bracelet offered to the surrendering person. The bracelets help connect the parent to the baby if the parent wants the baby back. No information is required at the time of surrender but the person surrendering the baby will be given a medical information questionnaire to complete. Completion of the questionnaire

is voluntary, although the information regarding family medical history can assist in properly caring for the baby. After receiving a confidentially-coded ankle bracelet, the baby is examined and given medical treatment, if needed. The baby is then placed in a foster or pre-adoptive home.

What happens to the parent? Once the parent or surrendering person has safely turned over the baby, they are free to go, without any questions asked. If a parent wants the baby back under the law, a parent or surrendering person has at least 14 days to reclaim the baby. This law has been effective statewide and here in Amador County we have now had the first parent that has opted to utilize the law. That baby has been placed in a foster home that is considered a pre-adoptive home, in other words, the family would like to adopt the baby. The baby was released to Sutter Amador Hospital and placed by county agencies.