HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrsntatn - Safe Surrender Awareness Month Whereas, the Safe Surrendered Baby (SSB) Law was implemented
on January 2, 2001, with the intent to prevent harm and possible death to
newborns, providing a safe alternative for the surrender of a newborn baby
in specified circumstances; and
Whereas, a parent or person with lawful custody can safely
surrender a baby confidentially and without fear of prosecution within 72
hours of birth at a public or private hospital, designated fire station, or other
safe surrender site; and
Whereas, California Penal Code Section 271.5 protects
surrendering individuals from prosecution of abandonment; and
Whereas, at the time of the surrender an identification bracelet is
placed on the baby with a matching bracelet provided to the parent or
lawful guardian in case the baby is reclaimed; and
Whereas, no questions will be asked, however, a voluntary
questionnaire will be offered for the purpose of collecting medical
information critical to the heath and survival of the infant; and
Whereas, all identifying information that pertains to the individual
who surrenders a child is strictly confidential; and
Whereas, in addition to California, all 50 states have such laws in
place to discourage baby abandonment.
Now, Therefore, I, Jan C. Harnik, Mayor of the City of Palm
Desert, California, Along With the Entire City Council, Do Hereby Proclaim
the Month of February, 2017, as
Safe Surrender Awareness Month
in the City of Palm Desert in support of the Safe Surrendered Baby Law.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and have
caused the Official Seal of the City of Palm Desert, California,
to be affixed this 23rd day of February 2017.