Safe Surrender Laws and Same-Day Adoption in California: Which is Right for You and Your Child?
In California, you have the legal right to safely and anonymously surrender your newborn at a hospital or designated fire station, no questions asked. This option, available within 72 hours of birth, protects your baby and gives you a moment to breathe.
But you should know that you have more than one path forward.
Whether you're in a crisis right now or just weighing your options, there are people ready to listen, guide, and support you — no matter what decision you make. From Safe Surrender to adoption planning and emotional care, help is available.
Talk with a Specialist Now - Free, unbiased, and completely confidential.
Comparing Safe Surrender and Same-Day Adoption
Both Safe Surrender and same-day adoption offer protection and ensure your baby is cared for—but they differ in how much involvement and support you receive.
Support:
- Safe Surrender does not include emotional or financial support.
- Same-day adoption provides access to housing assistance, medical care, and counseling.
Choice:
- Safe Surrender places your baby in the foster system.
- Same-day adoption allows your child to go directly to an adoptive family of your choice. You also get to decide on future contact, and how much, if anything, the family and child knows about you.
Legal Protection:
- Both options are legal and safe. Adoption agencies follow strict laws, and in many cases, they’re better equipped to protect your confidentiality.
If you’d like to avoid foster care, have a say in your baby’s future, and receive support along the way, same-day adoption may be a better path. You’ll find more details about locations at the end of this page.
California Safe Surrender Law
California’s Safe Surrender Law allows you to legally and anonymously surrender a newborn—three days old or younger—at designated hospitals and fire stations. There’s no judgment, no paperwork, and no legal penalty.
Why It Matters:
- Prevents unsafe abandonment
- Ensures your baby is protected and receives immediate care
- Offers a confidential way to respond to crisis
You can walk away knowing your baby will be cared for. But it's important to understand what happens next.
How to Use the Safe Surrender Law in California
Step 1: The first thing you need to know is that safe surrender only applies to children 3 days old or younger, so you’ll need to act quickly. If you run out of time, it may be best to look into a same day adoption.
Step 2: Bring your baby to a Safe Surrender location, like a hospital or fire station. Staff there are trained to receive newborns safely and without judgment.
Step 3: Make sure to personally hand your baby to a staff member. This ensures your child is immediately protected and cared for by professionals.
Step 4 (Optional): You may be offered a voluntary medical form. Sharing your baby’s medical history can help with future care. No personal information is required.
Step 5: After surrendering your baby, you can leave knowing they’ll receive immediate care and begin the placement process through child welfare services.
What Happens After You Use a Safe Surrender Location?
- Your baby is given medical attention if needed
- Child Protective Services is notified and assumes custody
- Your baby is entered into the foster care system
- You have 14 days to change your mind, though the process can be difficult
You won’t receive updates, and you won’t have a role in choosing or knowing your baby’s adoptive family.
When Safe Surrender Isn’t Enough — and What Adoption Can Offer
Safe Surrender provides a legal and safe way to surrender a child in a crisis—but it may leave you with unanswered questions, lingering worries, or regret over a missed opportunity to stay involved.
Same-day adoption offers something different. It gives you the chance to choose your child’s future, avoid foster care, and receive emotional and financial support during a vulnerable time.
If you want more than a safe exit—if you want clarity, connection, and care—adoption may be a better fit.
Same-Day Adoption in California
Same-day adoption allows you to make an adoption plan right after birth, often from the hospital, while still receiving compassionate guidance and support.
You can:
- Choose a family or let a specialist help you find the right match
- Maintain your privacy while receiving assistance
- Decide on the type of adoption that works for you (open, semi-open, or closed)
- Access housing, medical, and emotional support
- Stay involved, if that’s what feels right to you
View Families Waiting to Adopt
How to Start a Same-Day Adoption in California
Step 1: Reach out to a licensed California adoption agency. A phone call or message is all it takes to connect with someone who understands what you’re going through.
Step 2: Talk to an adoption specialist. They’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and guide you through the process without pressure.
Step 3: You can review profiles of hopeful adoptive families or ask the agency to select one for you. Every family is fully screened and prepared to provide a loving home.
Step 4: When you feel ready, you can sign adoption paperwork at your own pace. Your comfort and consent are always prioritized.
Step 5: Support doesn’t end after placement. Many women continue to receive counseling, help with post-placement communication, and resources to begin the next chapter of their lives.
Start a Same-Day Adoption Plan Now
Why Many Women Choose Adoption Over Safe Surrender
Adoption isn’t about giving up—it’s about giving more. Many birth parents choose adoption because it allows them to shape their child’s future, stay connected if they choose, and feel peace knowing their child is safe and loved.
Open adoption stories show how powerful that connection can be.
Adopted children, especially those in open adoptions, often grow up understanding and appreciating the love behind their birth parent’s choice. Learn what growing up adopted is really like.
You’re not alone in considering this path—and you deserve support every step of the way. We’re here to talk anytime, in person or at 1-800-ADOPTION.
You Have Options
You are not alone. And you are not without choices.
Whether Safe Surrender or adoption feels right for you, know that both are legal, compassionate options.
But if you want more than a safe surrender—if you want to make a plan, choose your baby’s future, and receive ongoing support—adoption may be the path that brings you peace.
Safe Surrender Locations
California has not installed Safe Surrender Baby Boxes; however, you can find Safe Surrender locations near you. All Fire Stations and Hospitals offer Safe Surrender services, along with some clinics and police stations.
Our Same-Day Adoption Locations in California
Sacramento Office
9700 Business Park Dr. #403, Sacramento, CA 95827
1-800-ADOPTION
Newport Beach Office
4695 MacArthur Ct. 11th Floor, Newport Beach, CA 92660
1-800-ADOPTION
Fresno Office
7257 N. Maple Ave. Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93720
1-800-ADOPTION
Modesto Office
1120 Tully Rd, Modesto, CA 95350
1-800-ADOPTION
Carlsbad Office
2815 Jefferson St., Suite 302, Carlsbad, CA 92008
1-800-ADOPTION
San Luis Obispo Office
1540 Marsh St. #140, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
1-800-ADOPTION
Glendale Office
655 N Central Ave, 17th Floor, Glendale, CA 91203
1-800-ADOPTION
San Diego Camino Office
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92108
1-800-ADOPTION
San Diego 10th Ave. Office
350 10th Avenue, Suite 1000, San Diego, CA 92101
1-800-ADOPTION
Bakersfield Office
4900 California Ave, Tower B, 2nd Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93309
1-800-ADOPTION
Chula Vista Office
333 H Street, Suite 5000, Chula Vista, CA 91910
1-800-ADOPTION
Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.
