If you are a parent unable or unwilling to care for a baby, you have options. The Safely Surrendered Baby Law allows any parent or person with legal custody to safely give up a baby within three days of birth to any hospital or fire station. The parent may do so confidentially and without fear of prosecution.

No names are required or questions asked, although hospital staff may ask the parent to fill out a questionnaire designed to gather medical history information helpful in caring for the child.

Surrendered babies are placed in Child Protective Services custody, given medical treatment to make sure they're OK, and placed with a foster family, usually a pre-adoptive family who have been screened and approved to adopt a child.

At the time of the surrender, a bracelet is placed on the baby for identification purposes and a matching bracelet given to the parent in case the baby is reclaimed.  A  parent or person with legal custody has up to 14 days from the time of the surrender to reclaim a baby.

In Sacramento County, you can get information about this law by calling 866-856-BABY(2229). This toll-free number is staffed 24 hours a day by the Sacramento Crisis Nursery.