LOS ANGELES, Calif.–A woman surrendered a 3-hour-old infant at a City of Industry fire station–the fifth such “safe surrender” in the county this year, a county supervisor said today.
“This case could have ended in tragedy,” said Supervisor Don Knabe, “but because of the Safe Surrender program this baby boy has a long life ahead of him.”
The baby was reported to show no signs of abuse and was in protective custody. He will be placed with a family approved for adoption by the Department of Children and Family Services, Knabe said.
The newborn was dropped off at Fire Station 87 at 140 S. Second Ave. about 3 p.m. Monday. It was the fifth safe surrender in Los Angeles County in 2010 and the 81st since the program began nine years ago.
The law allows the anonymous surrender of an infant no more than 3-days-old to hospital or fire station personnel. As long as the infant shows no signs of abuse or neglect, the parent will not be arrested or prosecuted for abandonment.
“I am happy this mother made the right choice for her baby,” Knabe said.
To learn more about the ‘Safe Surrender’ program please visit www.babysafela.org or www.knabe.com/safesurrender. They can also be found on Facebook.
