Safe Surrender and Adoption for Your Baby in Fresno County

If You're Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy in Fresno—You’re Not Alone

Right here in Fresno, real, caring options exist. California’s Safely Surrendered Baby Law allows you to quietly and safely leave your newborn—within 72 hours of birth—at a local hospital or fire station. There are no questions asked, no judgments passed, and no legal consequences. But if you desire more than a brief farewell—if you need ongoing connection, heartfelt support, and even a say in your baby’s future—consider the alternative of same-day adoption with an adoption agency, where compassion and understanding come together.

Same-day adoption sends a powerful message: your story matters. You aren’t fading into the background. You’re making a loving, intentional choice.

Get Started with an adoption plan tailored for you—right here in Fresno.

Safe Surrender vs. Same-Day Adoption: Understanding Your Choices

Support

While Safe Surrender is a legal option, it only offers that one immediate step. There is no follow-up support—no help with housing, no assistance with everyday needs, and no one to comfort you as you cope with your emotions. Once you surrender, you’re on your own.

In contrast, same-day adoption with an adoption agency wraps you in caring support. Imagine having help with housing or rent so you feel secure, assistance with groceries, maternity needs, and medical care, all provided by a team that genuinely cares.

A dedicated local caseworker will check in with you regularly, and licensed counselors are available to talk through every concern before and after your baby’s arrival. Most importantly, a team here in Fresno listens to you and respects every decision you make.

Choice

With Safe Surrender, you lose connection with your baby—you won’t ever learn about who nurtures or loves them. For some, that may bring a temporary relief; for others, it can leave a lingering pain.

Adoption with an agency, however, puts the power back in your hands. You can choose:

• A loving, pre-screened family from Fresno and nearby areas, or anywhere across the country.
• How much you’d like to be involved—whether that means getting letters, photos, or even occasional updates.
• Whether to remain completely anonymous or to maintain a gentle connection.
• Assurance that your baby will grow up in a supportive home, away from foster care.

Protection

Both options are legally sound. However, adoption with an agency offers extra layers of care. Local Fresno agencies provide personalized guidance—explaining your rights, honoring your choices, and ensuring every step of the process is handled with empathy and respect. You’re never rushed; you’re always supported.

Start Your Adoption Today

What Is California’s Safely Surrendered Baby Law?

This law allows you to legally and safely leave your newborn—within the first 72 hours of life—at any designated Safe Surrender site in Fresno County, which includes hospitals and fire stations. You won’t need to show ID or answer intrusive questions; your privacy is completely protected.

Why This Law Exists

• It prevents unsafe abandonments and ensures your baby receives immediate care.
• It provides a non-judgmental, legal option for overwhelmed parents right here in Fresno.
• It guarantees that your baby will quickly receive medical attention and a temporary placement.
• It keeps your identity confidential unless you decide otherwise or a compelling legal reason emerges.

Where Can I Go for Safe Surrender in Fresno County?

If Safe Surrender feels like the right path for you, here are the local options:

• Any emergency room at a Fresno County hospital.
• Fire stations that display the Safe Surrender logo.
• Selected sheriff’s substations around the area.

Every one of these locations is staffed by professionals trained to offer compassion and respect. If you’re uncertain about where to go or if you need someone to talk with first, Contact Us Now—we’re right here in Fresno, ready to help.

How to Use the Safe Surrender Law in Fresno

When you consider Safe Surrender, knowing the steps can give you clarity during such a challenging time. The process is designed to be straightforward, dignified, and centered on your baby’s safety:

Step 1: First, confirm that your baby is younger than 72 hours old. California law applies only within this limited window.

Step 2: Take your baby to a Safe Surrender location in Fresno County—whether that’s a hospital emergency room, a fire station, or a designated sheriff’s substation. Look for the Safe Surrender logo or call ahead to confirm.

Step 3: Hand your baby gently and directly to a staff member. This ensures that your baby receives immediate, caring attention and that the process is handled with respect. Please do not leave your baby unattended.

Step 4 (Optional): You might be offered a brief, confidential medical form. While filling it out is entirely your choice, sharing some basic health information can help ensure your baby receives optimal care.

Step 5: Once your baby is safely in care, you can leave with the comfort that they are protected under California law. Your identity remains completely private unless you choose otherwise.

Remember, you have a 14-day window during which you can change your mind and legally reclaim custody if you feel differently.

What Happens After Safe Surrender?

After you surrender your baby, several caring steps follow:

• Your baby will receive immediate medical attention if needed.
• Fresno County Child Protective Services is contacted to ensure your baby’s care and find the next safe placement—this could mean foster care unless other arrangements are in place.
• Your identity remains confidential unless you choose to reveal it or a serious legal need arises.
• If no one steps forward during the 14-day window, the court will begin the process of ending parental rights—a serious and irreversible step that’s important to fully understand before you decide.

More than Goodbye: Why Adoption Might Be the Better Path

Safe Surrender may offer a brief, necessary farewell, but adoption creates a lasting connection. Adoption allows you to know your child’s name, follow their milestones, and feel involved in their future—even if you choose to step back later.

Furthermore, adoption provides comprehensive, tangible support. This could mean assistance with housing, food, and medical costs, as well as ongoing emotional care both before and after birth. With adoption, you can have a personalized, adaptable plan that grows with your changing needs and heart. Learn how to put a baby up for adoption if you’re seeking a path that preserves the connection and ensures long-term care.

In Fresno County, adopting through a trusted local agency can give you the peace of mind you deserve while keeping the bond with your baby intact.

Start Your Adoption Today

What Does Same-Day Adoption Look Like?

Even if your baby has already arrived—or your due date is mere days away—you still have choices. Same-day adoption lets you shape a loving future without delay. Here’s what to expect:

You can choose whether to remain completely private or maintain a gentle, ongoing connection. You have the opportunity to select from waiting families who have been carefully pre-screened in Fresno and the surrounding areas, or anywhere across the country. Additionally, you may receive financial support to help cover costs like groceries, rent, or prenatal care. You can decide on the nature of your adoption—whether an open, semi-open, or closed arrangement—so that the process feels right for you. Throughout it all, compassionate local professionals are there to support you.

This isn’t about walking away; it’s about walking forward—with love, care, and a hopeful heart.

How to Start a Same-Day Adoption Plan in Fresno County

Step 1: Reach out to a Fresno adoption agency — Call, text, or message whenever you feel ready. There’s no script, no rush—only someone ready to listen with genuine kindness.

Step 2: Have a heart-to-heart conversation with a local adoption specialist who understands your journey. Share your concerns, your hopes, and ask all the questions that matter to you.

Step 3: Browse through family profiles, or let us help you find a match that feels right for your baby’s future—one that resonates with your values and aspirations.

Step 4: When you’re emotionally and mentally ready, you can decide to complete the necessary paperwork. There’s absolutely no pressure to rush this decision—it’s all at your pace.

Step 5: After placement, support continues. Whether you need someone to talk to late at night or help managing bills, compassionate care will be available for as long as you need it.

This process isn’t merely legal—it’s a gentle journey toward peace, hope, and a future that celebrates your courage and love.

Why More Women in Fresno Are Choosing Adoption

For many, choosing adoption means opting for a safer, more supported future for both you and your baby. Adoption allows you to remain involved and informed—receiving updates, letters, or photos so that you always know your child is cherished and thriving.

It also means accessing consistent emotional, financial, and legal support that helps ease the transition. As one Fresno birth mom shared, “I wanted to know that I gave my baby everything they needed. Adoption gave me that peace.”

Get Started and take your first step toward embracing the future you deserve.

You Have Support Right Here in Fresno County

If you’re feeling afraid, overwhelmed, or uncertain about what comes next, remember this: you are not alone. You deserve to be supported, respected, and safe—right here in your community. Hundreds of local women have taken steps toward a future filled with hope and healing, and you can too.

Our community is ready to stand with you, guide you, and share in the journey—every step of the way. If you need immediate assistance, call our 24-hour adoption hotline.

Safe Haven Locations in Fresno County

Hospitals and Fire Departments in Orange 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:

• List of Fresno County Fire Stations
• List of Fresno County Hospitals

Same-Day Adoption Services in Fresno County

Our offices offer safe, compassionate same-day adoption all over the state:

Modesto Office

1120 Tully Rd, Modesto, CA 95350

Sacramento Office

9700 Business Park Dr #402, Sacramento, CA 95827

Fresno Office

7257 N Maple Ave STE 101, Fresno, CA 93720

Carlsbad Office

2815 Jefferson St STE 301, Carlsbad, CA 92008