Safe Surrender vs. Same-Day Adoption: Understanding the Difference
One of your options is California’s Safe Surrender law. This allows you to safely and anonymously leave your newborn at a hospital or fire station within the first 72 hours of birth—no legal consequences, no questions asked. It’s a protective step, for both you and your baby.
But if you're looking for something more—if you want to know where your baby will go, if you want support for yourself too, or just someone to talk with—then same-day adoption may be a better fit. It gives you the same legal protection, while also offering care, dignity, and real human connection.
You don’t have to decide everything right now. Just know you have people right here, close to home, who want to support you.
The Kind of Support You Receive
Safe Surrender: This is a legal option to place your baby into safe hands. But after that moment, the support ends. If you’re also facing housing challenges, emotional trauma, or isolation—it can feel like a heavy weight to carry on your own.
Same-Day Adoption: You’re not just protected by law—you’re supported by people. You’ll have access to a caring, local team who can help with transportation, counseling, housing, food, and emotional support. We’re not just here to handle paperwork. We’re here to walk with you.
Your Role in Your Baby’s Future
Safe Surrender: Once you surrender your baby, you have no further involvement. You won’t know who raises them or how they’re doing.
Adoption: You’re in control. You choose the adoptive family. You decide whether you want to receive updates, photos, or have direct contact. You can stay private or consider open adoption. View waiting families and find someone who feels right. You can be as involved—or as private—as you want to be.
Legal Protection
Both Safe Surrender and adoption are protected by California law. But with adoption, you don’t go through it alone. We explain your rights, offer support, and never rush your decision. This is your journey—we’re just here to help you make it safely.
What Is the Safe Surrender Law?
The Safely Surrendered Baby Law allows a parent to legally and anonymously leave their baby (within 72 hours of birth) at a designated location like a hospital or fire station.
This law exists:
- To prevent unsafe abandonments
- To offer overwhelmed parents a safe, legal option
- To make sure babies receive the care and protection they need
It’s one of many ways California works to protect life—and honor how hard these situations can be.
How Safe Surrender Works in Stanislaus County
Here’s what it looks like:
Step 1: Confirm your baby is 3 days old or younger. If you’re unsure, don’t panic. Many people are confused in moments like this. You can reach out and we’ll help you figure it out.
Step 2: Go to a Safe Surrender location. This includes hospital ERs like Doctors Medical Center or Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, or fire stations displaying the Safe Surrender logo.
Step 3: Place your baby directly in the care of a nurse, firefighter, or staff member. Please don’t leave them unattended. A trained person will immediately make sure your baby is warm, safe, and medically cared for.
Step 4 (Optional): You might be offered a medical questionnaire. You can fill it out to help with your baby’s care—or leave it blank. You remain anonymous either way.
Step 5: Once your baby is in safe hands, you can leave. You won’t be asked for your name or any ID. You’ll be treated with respect, not judgment.
Need to talk? Our 24-hour hotline is always open.
After You Surrender—What Happens Next?
After Safe Surrender:
- Your baby is given immediate medical care
- CPS (Child Protective Services) is notified
- Your baby enters foster care
- You have 14 days to change your mind
- After 14 days, your parental rights end through the court
Why Some Parents Choose Adoption Instead
Safe Surrender is a legal, protective option. But it can leave you with questions that never quite go away. Where is my baby now? Are they safe? Will I ever know anything about them again?
With adoption, you don’t have to sit in that uncertainty. You have a say in what happens next. You help create the life you imagine for your child.
Learn about adoption in California
What Can Adoption Offer?
- You choose the adoptive family
- You decide on updates, photos, or visits
- You receive help with housing, food, maternity care
- You have a trained, local advocate on your side day and night
Start Your Adoption Today. Or just reach out with questions. No pressure. Just people who care.
What Is Same-Day Adoption?
Same-day adoption means you can begin your plan at any point—at the hospital, after delivery, or even from home days later. You don’t need everything figured out. You just need a safe way to take a thoughtful next step.
This option was made for situations that feel uncertain:
- A pregnancy you didn’t plan
- Feeling emotionally or physically unsupported
- Wanting a voice in your baby’s future
- Needing support beyond this one decision
You don’t need all the answers right now. You just need a space to ask the questions—and someone who will meet you with kindness.
How to Start a Same-Day Adoption in Stanislaus County
- Reach out to us—day or night. Whether you want to talk, ask questions, or take the next step, we’re here.
- Talk with a warm, local specialist who truly listens—someone who understands what you’re walking through.
- Explore family profiles when you’re ready. We’ll guide you or help match you with a family who shares your values and hopes.
- You move at your own pace. Nothing happens until you feel ready. No signatures. No commitments. Just support.
- After placement, we don’t disappear. You’ll have access to counseling, support, and encouragement—for as long as you want it.
Your journey matters. Your healing matters. And this can be a beginning, not an ending.
Why Adoption Gives Peace of Mind
With adoption:
- You know who’s loving and raising your baby
- You know they’re safe, supported, and surrounded by care
- You get help—through pregnancy and beyond
- This isn’t “giving up.” This is giving love a direction.
If you want to talk about what adoption might look like for you, contact us now. We’ll walk with you—no pressure, just compassion.
We’re Here for You
Whatever you’re feeling right now—confusion, sadness, fear, even relief—it’s all valid. Your emotions matter. Your story matters.
Whether this pregnancy was unplanned, your life shifted suddenly, or you're seeking unplanned pregnancy help, you don’t have to carry this alone.
Safe Surrender is an option. So is adoption. We’re not here to tell you what to do. We’re here to offer honest, gentle guidance—whatever path you choose.
When you’re ready, we’re here to help. No pressure, no expectations, just real people, offering real support.
Safe Haven Locations in Stanislaus County
Hospitals and Fire Departments in Stanislaus 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:
Same-Day Adoption Services in Stanislaus 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