Safe Surrender Laws and Adoption Options in Kern County: What You Need to Know
If you're in Kern County and facing a difficult situation with a newborn, you should know safe surrender laws aren’t your only option. Same-day adoption through an agency can offer more involvement, protection and support.
This guide will walk you through your options. We’ll explain how Safe Surrender works and how adoption can give you added emotional, legal, and financial support—plus the chance to make choices that matter to you.
Comparing Safe Surrender and Same-Day Adoption in Kern County
Support: Safe Surrender ensures your baby is safe, but doesn’t offer emotional or financial support. Same-day adoption provides housing, legal guidance, financial assistance, and 24/7 counseling. Learn more about birth parent benefits.
Choice: Safe Surrender places your baby in foster care, with no say in where they go. Same-day adoption lets you pick the adoptive family and decide how much future contact you want. Hear from others in open adoption stories.
Confidentiality: Both options protect your privacy. Safe Surrender keeps your identity confidential unless there’s a rare situation. Adoption through an agency is also anonymous and offers more flexibility.
Safe Surrender Law in Kern County
California's Safe Surrender Law allows you to legally and anonymously leave your newborn (under 72 hours old) at a Safe Haven location like a hospital or fire station—no questions, no legal consequences.
How to Surrender a Baby in Kern County
Step 1: Act within 72 hours of birth. After that, adoption becomes your legal alternative.
Step 2: Bring your baby to a designated Safe Surrender site. Staff are ready to help you with compassion and care.
Step 3: Hand your baby directly to a staff member. This ensures immediate safety and care.
Step 4 (Optional): Complete a short medical questionnaire if you feel comfortable. It can help your baby receive better care and keep the door open for future contact. Learn about adoption openness options.
Step 5: Leave knowing your baby will be cared for by professionals. This is a brave and loving choice during an incredibly hard moment.
What Happens After a Baby Is Surrendered in Kern County?
- Your baby receives immediate medical attention
- CPS is notified and ensures their ongoing safety
- Your child may enter foster care until adoption is arranged
- You have 14 days to change your mind and begin reclaiming custody
- After 14 days, your parental rights are legally ended
If you're unsure, help is available to guide you through the process of changing your mind.
When Safe Surrender Isn’t Enough — What Adoption Offers
Safe Surrender is there for emergencies—but if you want to stay involved and supported, same-day adoption may offer a better path. Learn more about adoption, abortion, and parenting.
With adoption, you can choose your baby’s future, avoid the foster care system, and receive lasting support—all while staying connected if you want to.
Same-Day Adoption in Kern County
Same-day adoption allows you to make a thoughtful plan for your baby from the hospital or shortly after birth. You’re in control, and we’re here to support your decisions with real help and compassion.
You can:
- Stay anonymous or share your identity
- Pick the adoptive family or get help choosing
- Receive emotional, financial, and legal support
- Choose open or closed adoption
Starting a Same-Day Adoption in Kern County
Step 1: Contact a licensed agency that understands your needs. We’re here to help without pressure.
Step 2: Talk with a specialist who listens, answers your questions, and helps you feel confident. Meet your adoption specialist.
Step 3: Choose from loving, pre-screened families. Learn about finding an adoptive family.
Step 4: Sign adoption paperwork with legal support to ensure everything is clear and safe.
Step 5: Get continued help after placement, including counseling, housing assistance, and more. Learn about emotions during and after adoption.
Start a Same-Day Adoption Plan Now
Why Many Birth Parents Choose Adoption
Adoption isn’t about giving up—it’s about making a powerful, informed decision that brings hope. With adoption, you can:
- Give your child a stable, loving home
- Stay connected if you choose
- Receive the support you deserve
Many birth mothers say choosing the family and staying involved brought them peace and confidence.
You Have Options in Kern County
Just by exploring your choices, you’re showing strength in a moment that’s anything but easy. If you want more support, more control, and a more hopeful future—adoption offers all of that. You’re not giving up. You’re giving your child a chance. Explore this study on adopted children's happiness and health.
Talk to a Kern Adoption Specialist
Same-Day Adoption Locations in Kern County
If you need help, or if you want to talk through your options, visit our office in Kern County. Our staff can help you access the services you need, or even start a same-day adoption.
Bakersfield Office
4900 California Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93309
1-800-ADOPTION
Safe Surrender Locations in Kern County
Hospitals and Fire Departments in Kern County are all designated safe surrender sites, along with some police stations. Below are lists of Fire Departments and hospitals with addresses and phone numbers:
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.
