Safely Surrendered Baby Law

The Safely Surrendered Baby Law (also known as the Safe Haven Law) allows a parent or person with lawful custody to surrender a baby confidentially to a Safe Haven site, without fear of arrest or prosecution for child abandonment.

A parent who is unable or unwilling to care for an infant can legally and confidentially surrender their baby within 3 days of birth 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 14-day cooling off period. During this period, the person who surrendered the child can return to the hospital or Safe Haven site to reclaim the child. A baby can be safely surrendered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This information has been sent to our parishes by Elizabeth Lilly of Catholic Charities. For additional information including authorized Safe Haven sites, posters and other materials, click here: Safely Surrendered Baby Law.