No shame… No blame… No names

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 Surrender 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 hospital emergency room in California. In Santa Clara County all 95 fire stations have also been designated as Safe Surrender sites.

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 surrendering adult can contact Child Protective Services to reclaim the infant. A baby can be safely surrendered to an emergency room or fire station personnel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Safe Surrender Sites within Santa Clara County
Includes a list of safe surrender sites designated by the Board of Supervisors of Santa Clara County.

Visit the County of Santa Clara website for:

• A Fact Sheet about the law

• Frequently Asked Questions about the law

• A Brochure (English and Spanish versions available)

A downloadable/printable list of Safe Surrender Sites in Santa Clara County is available on the Forms page.