A newborn girl brought to a hospital in Downey is the 10th infant to be turned over under the Safe Surrender law in Los Angeles County this year, Supervisor Don Knabe announced Tuesday.
The infant, who was surrendered Saturday, was placed in protective custody and will be placed with a family approved for adoption by the Department of Children and Family services, Knabe said.
“After recent news of tragic abandonments of newborns, I am thrilled that information about the Safe Surrender program is providing a better option to mothers who find themselves alone and in desperate situations,” Knabe said.
The infant was the 134th to be surrendered in Los Angeles County since the program began nearly 14 years ago.
“There is an option to hand over a baby safely and anonymously. No shame. No blame. No names,” Knabe said.
The law allows someone to surrender an infant that is no more than three days old at a fire station or hospital, provided there are no signs of abuse.
— City News Service