At participating fire stations, trained fire personnel accept the infant, provide a medical questionnaire and information about the program, and ensure the child receives appropriate care. Photo designed by Magnific

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - Placer County is reminding residents that parents and legal guardians who are unable to care for a newborn have a safe, legal and confidential option through California's safe surrender program.

The county recently updated its network of designated Newborn Safe Surrender Sites, with the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday reaffirming 33 participating fire stations throughout the county including new locations to improve geographic access for residents.

“While most safe surrender cases in Placer County occur at local hospitals, we want families to know they also have the option to surrender a newborn at designated participating fire stations,” said Twylla Abrahamson, director of the Children’s System of Care.

California's Safely Surrendered Baby Law allows a parent or person with lawful custody to safely surrender a newborn without fear of prosecution for child abandonment, provided the infant has not been abused or neglected. No questions are required when surrendering a baby at a hospital or participating fire station.

Under current law, infants may be safely surrendered within 72 hours of birth. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, California's Keeping Infants from Danger (K.I.D.) Act, Assembly Bill 1628, will expand that window, allowing infants up to 30 days old to be safely surrendered at designated sites.

The new law maintains legal protections for parents or lawful custodians who voluntarily surrender a newborn at a hospital or participating fire station within the allowable timeframe. Parents who change their minds can begin the process of reclaiming their baby within 14 days by contacting the Children’s System of Care.

At participating fire stations, trained fire personnel accept the infant, provide a medical questionnaire and information about the program, and ensure the child receives appropriate care.

The program was created to prevent the unsafe abandonment of newborns and ensure infants receive immediate medical attention and protection. More than 1,500 babies have been safely surrendered across California since the original passage of the law.

Anyone experiencing a crisis pregnancy, postpartum challenges or concerns about caring for a newborn is encouraged to seek help as early as possible via their healthcare provider or the Children’s System of Care.