-- To ensure continued safety and protections for children, Governor Schwarzenegger signed legislation October 7, 2005 extending the Safely Surrendered Baby Law (SSB) permanently beginning January 1, 2006. The SSB law initially was implemented on January 1, 2001.

-- As of January 2007, 182 newborns have been safely surrendered in California while another 146 infants have been found alive following their illegal abandonment.

-- In 2006, 60 babies were safely surrendered in California, marking the largest yearly total since the SSB law went into effect. Los Angeles County leads the state with 54 babies safely surrendered since the program began.

-- Under the SSB law, within three days of birth, a parent or person with lawful custody can safely surrender a baby confidentially and without fear of prosecution.

-- The SSB law requires the baby be taken to a public or private hospital emergency room, designated fire station or other safe surrender site. No questions will be asked.

-- The SSB law provides a safe alternative to desperate mothers who are unwilling or unable to keep their babies.

-- Babies who are safely surrendered at a hospital are given medical treatment and placed in a foster home or pre-adoptive home. At the time of surrender, a bracelet is placed on the baby for identification purposes and a matching bracelet provided to the parent or lawful guardian in case the baby is reclaimed.

-- A parent or person with lawful custody has up to 14 days from the time of surrender to reclaim their baby.

-- In addition to California, at least 46 other states have such laws in place to discourage baby abandonment.

-- SSB posters and brochures are available, free of charge, to requesting individuals and organizations. Visit www.babysafe.ca.gov for more information.