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Safe Surrender Program

sign, infant in hands, safe surrender site logo, baby blue and white logo

The Safe Surrender Program allows a person a place to surrender a minor child less than 72 hours old to a designated fire station, or emergency room without fear of arrest or prosecution, provided the infant has not been abused or neglected.

Person(s) surrendering newborn will receive an envelope consisting of:

  • Postage paid envelope (pre-addressed)
  • Newborn medical questionnaire (English/Spanish)
  • Fact sheet for person(s) surrendering infant
  • Coded wrist identification bracelet for person surrendering infant
Things you have a right to know about safely surrendering a baby:
  1. You can help make sure that the baby has a healthy future by providing some important medical information. This information can be very useful in caring for the child. When people need medical care, it can help the doctor to know about the family’s medical background and what diseases or disabilities other people in the family may have or have had in the past. This is called a “medical history.” You will receive an envelope and all you have to do is answer the questions on the enclosed form as best as you can and mail it in the self-addressed, pre-stamped envelope that is provided. If you’d like, you can fill it out while at a Safe Surrender location and leave it with the personnel helping you. You don’t need to give your name or address or any other contact information. The label on the medical form is only to make sure the medical history can be matched to the right baby. Please fill out the form and send it in. By completing this form, the baby will have a medical history.
  2. Do you need help? When you surrender your baby we want to make sure that you are getting the help you need. There is a number available for you to call and get help: (530) 642-7100. This is the phone number to Talk Line’s 24-hour Hot Line. They will provide you with information on where to get medical treatment and supportive services, as well as, other support you may need.
  3. If you change your mind and want the baby back, you can:- Call Child Protective Service’s 24-hour hotline at (530) 642-7100 with in 14 days (you still may be able to get your baby back after 14 days, but it becomes much more difficult).
    – Please keep the numbered bracelet that will be given to you. You will need the bracelet if you change your mind and want the baby back. By having the bracelet you can prove that you are the person who surrendered the baby.
Safe Surrender locations 
El Dorado County FireStations 17, 19, 25, 28, 72
Cameron ParkStations 88, 89
El Dorado HillsStations 84, 85, 86
Garden ValleyStation 51
GeorgetownStation 61
Lake ValleyStation 7 (Meyers)
LatrobeStation 91
PioneerStation 38
RescueStation 83
South Lake TahoeStations 1, 2, 3
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