Out of what could be a tragic outcome of abandonment or death, 87 newborns have been given a chance for a healthy and happy life thanks to the Safe Surrender program which was established in LA County ten years ago. Supervisor Don Knabe will recognize the importance of the program, celebrate the families and promote increased outreach to provide an option for mothers in desperate situations.
When: Wednesday, September 28, 2011; 11:30a.m. Program begins at noon.
Where: Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, 500 West Temple Street; 8th floor balcony, Downtown Los Angeles 90012.
Who: Supervisor Knabe celebrates the children and their families created by the Safe Surrender program, along with firefighters and hospital personnel who have been involved in a Safe Surrender.
Also speaking are Debi Faris, founder of the Garden of Angels, and Yoli Flores, who helped spearhead the program.
Background:
The Safe Surrender Program, based on the statewide Safe Haven Law, was developed and championed by Supervisor Don Knabe and unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2001. The program’s purpose is to protect newborns from being hurt or killed because of abandonment. Safe Surrender allows a parent or legal guardian to confidentially handover an infant, three days old or younger, to any hospital emergency room, fire station or other designated Safe Surrender site. As long as the baby has not been abused or neglected, the person may surrender the baby without fear of arrest or prosecution for child abandonment.
Please RSVP to 213-974-4444.