Fourteen years after it was established in Los Angeles County, 125 newborns have been given a second chance for a happy and healthy life, thanks to the Safe Surrender program. Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe will welcome families to a “Garden of Life” dedication honoring the 125 lives saved by the Safe Surrender program.
When:
Monday, March 9, 2015 at 4:00pm
Where:
Grand Park, Olive Court
Located between the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration and the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Downtown Los Angeles
What:
- Supervisor Knabe will invite families who have adopted Safe Surrender children to honor the 125 lives saved by the program by planting flowers in a newly dedicated “Garden of Life” in Grand Park.
- Supervisor Knabe will also announce the launch of an academic scholarship program for children of the Safe Surrender program.
- Families and staff will be invited to enjoy pizza and cupcakes in Grand Park.
Background:
The Safe Surrender Program, based on the statewide Safe Haven Law, was 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. For more information about the Safe Surrender program, visit BabySafeLA.org.