Safe Haven Baby Boxes in California
What to Know Before You Walk Away
If you're thinking about using a Safe Haven baby box, it's probably because you're facing a difficult moment. You may feel afraid and unsure about what to do, and all you want is to make sure your baby is safe.
It might seem like you're completely alone right now. Maybe you haven't told anyone you're pregnant. Maybe you're scared of what happens next. That fear is valid. But you still have options, and there are people who care and want to help you.
This article will walk you through how Safe Haven boxes work, where you can legally take your baby and why adoption can be a better option. If you’re in crisis and need to talk to someone right away, you can call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online form.
How Do Safe Haven Baby Boxes Work?
A Safe Haven baby box is a secure, temperature-controlled compartment typically installed at hospitals or fire stations. These boxes are designed to allow someone to anonymously surrender a newborn without any interaction with staff. Once the door closes, it locks, and staff is immediately alerted to retrieve the baby.
Safe Haven baby boxes are not available in California. However, you can still surrender your newborn under Safe Haven law at a designated hospital or fire station. No one will ask questions.
Safe Haven Boxes vs. Adoption: What’s Right for You?
Surrendering a baby at a Safe Haven location may seem like the fastest way to move forward, but it also means losing your chance to make decisions about their future. You won’t know where they end up, you won’t get updates and you won’t have closure.
Private adoption, on the other hand, gives you the ability to create a plan. You can choose your baby's adoptive family, receive counseling, get financial support and even maintain contact with your child as they grow up. There is no cost to you, and you don’t have to rush.
Here’s a detailed comparison:
Adoption gives you a voice. You get to know your child is loved, supported and growing up with the kind of opportunities you hoped for.
Understanding Safe Haven Laws in California: What You Should Know
Safe Haven laws exist in every state, including California. These laws allow you to legally surrender your newborn at specific locations without facing legal trouble.
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Your baby must be 72 hours old or younger.
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You must take your baby to a designated hospital or fire station.
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You won’t be asked for identifying information.
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You will be given an optional medical questionnaire to fill out that could help your baby later in life.
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You and your baby will receive matching bracelets, giving you the option to reclaim them within 14 days.
After 14 days, your parental rights are permanently terminated.
Are There Safe Haven Baby Boxes in California?
No. There are currently no Safe Haven baby boxes in California. However, there are designated locations where you can surrender your baby.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes Near Me
Here are several locations where you can safely and anonymously surrender your newborn:
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Coalinga: Coalinga Regional Medical Center
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La Jolla: San Diego Fire Department Station 13
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Monterey Park: Garfield Medical Center
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San Francisco: San Francisco Fire Station 8
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San José: San José Fire Department Station 15
You can view a full list of California's Safe Haven locations on the 211 LA website.
What Happens After You Use a Baby Box or Safe Haven Location in California?
Here's what happens once you surrender your baby at a Safe Haven location in California:
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Your parental rights are legally terminated (after the 14-day window).
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Child Protective Services will assume custody.
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Your baby may enter the foster care system before being adopted.
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Their adoption file will be sealed.
It's important to remember that this is a permanent decision. Once you surrender your baby, you won’t get to be involved in the process, and you won’t receive updates.
However, you can maintain a relationship with your baby through open adoption.
How Adoption Can Provide a Brighter Future for You and Your Baby
Choosing adoption doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you’re giving your baby every chance at a beautiful life. You can help build a loving family and stay connected in a way that brings comfort.
Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you choose adoption:
There’s No Rush — Adoption Can Happen Before or After Birth
You don’t have to decide right now. Even if your baby is already born, adoption is still an option. You’ll receive the same level of support, financial assistance and the opportunity to choose the adoptive family.
You can view hopeful family profiles online and take your time finding the right one.
How You Can Maintain Your Privacy Without Sacrificing Your Peace of Mind
With adoption, your privacy is protected. You can keep your name confidential through a closed or semi-open adoption, or choose how much contact you’d like to have in an open adoption. You can even decide whether or not to meet the adoptive family.
Learn more about how we keep your adoption plan confidential.
FAQ About Safe Haven Baby Boxes in California
What Makes Safe Haven Boxes Safe for Babies?
Safe Haven baby boxes are equipped with temperature control, ventilation and an internal lock system. They alert staff inside the building and trigger a call to emergency services so the baby gets care right away.
Can You Get Your Baby Back After Safe Haven in California?
Yes. But after 14 days, your parental rights are permanently terminated.
Can Safe Haven Babies Be Adopted?
Yes. However, you won’t get to choose the family or receive updates. The baby is placed in state custody and may enter foster care first.
Is There a Safe Haven Baby Box Age Limit in California?
Yes. The baby must be 72 hours old or younger.
What Does a Safe Haven Box Look Like?
A safe haven baby box usually has a labeled exterior door, with a small, bassinet-like interior bed. It locks from the outside and is located on the exterior wall of a building like a hospital or firehouse.
What You Do Next Matters [And We Can Help]
You have the power to give your baby a future full of love and opportunity.
No matter how scared you feel right now, you can still choose a path that brings you peace and gives your baby a life filled with hope.
Call 1-800-ADOPTION to talk to an adoption specialist now or fill out our online form.
Our California Locations
Visit one of our California offices:
Bakersfield
4900 California Ave., Tower B, 2nd Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Chula Vista
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Fresno
Fresno, CA 93720
Glendale
655 N. Central Ave., 17th Floor
Glendale, CA 91203
Modesto
Modesto, CA 95350
Newport Beach
4695 MacArthur Court, 11th Floor
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Sacramento
9700 Business Park Drive, Suite 403
Sacramento, CA 95827
San Diego
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 400
San Diego, CA 92108
San Diego
San Diego, CA 92101
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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.
