Surrendered at
SAFE HAVEN Site
Into Fire Fighters Arms
During
the evening hours of Monday January 28th, a young female arrived at
Fire Station #302, Hesperia, California, stating she had just given birth to
twins and wanted to leave the newborns at the station under Safe-Surrender.
San
Bernardino County Fire Captain Andrea Binley and Fire Crew immediately took
possession of the babies and assessed their medical needs. Prior to arriving at
the fire station, both infants had been cared for, cleaned up and fed, and were
in good medical condition. The newborns were then transported by ambulance to a
nearby hospital for further evaluation. The mother refused medical attention
and was provided information and instructions on how to reclaim her children in
the event she wished to do so in accordance with the Safe-Haven
Law.
“This is exactly why the
Safe Surrender program was created,” said Fire Chief Mark Hartwig. “This young
mother did the right thing by bringing her babies to the fire station.
Regardless of your circumstances, the Safe Surrender program is a viable and
loving option - no questions asked.”
Pursuant to Health & Safety Code 1255.7 and
California Penal Code 271.5, also known as the Safe-Haven Law,
state law provides immunity for mothers or persons in lawful custody of newborn
infants less than seventy-two (72) hours who surrender these infants to a
designated Safe Surrender Site from
criminal prosecution. This policy was developed to prevent newborn infants from
being abandoned resulting in serious injury or death. The law specifies that
the person with lawful physical custody, after surrendering the child, have 14
days to change their mind and reclaim the baby.
August
24, 2004, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution
designating San Bernardino County fire stations as Safe-Haven
sites. Since this time, San Bernardino County Fire Protection
District fire stations are equipped as Safe Surrender
Sites.
Fire
stations that are not staffed full-time are not considered a Safe-Surrender
site; however, these stations have a phone located outside the station that
will connect directly to the dispatch center. Safe-Surrender signs are
displayed at all surrender locations.
