title
Adopt a resolution designating the Rio Vista Fire Station, replacing the Rio Vista Police Department, as a safe surrender site for newborns within 72 hours of birth, pursuant to Penal Code 271.5
body
Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board adopt a resolution designating the Rio Vista Fire Station, replacing the Rio Vista Police Department, as a safe surrender site for newborns within 72 hours of birth, pursuant to Penal Code Section 271.5.
SUMMARY:
First created in January 2001, the Safely Surrendered Baby (SSB) Law was signed permanently into California law on January 2006. The law's intent is to save lives of newborn infants at risk of abandonment by encouraging parents or persons with lawful custody to safely surrender the infant within 72 hours of birth without fear of criminal prosecution for child abandonment. All public and private emergency rooms or other locations, typically fire stations that are approved by the board of supervisors or fire agency in each county are safe surrender sites. Health and Safety Code Section 1255.7(a) (1) (A) authorizes the Board of Supervisors to designate additional safe surrendered sites in their County.
On August 7, 2007, the Board designated the Rio Vista Police Department as a safe surrender site. It is the intent of this resolution and in the best interests of the City of Rio Vista, its residents and others to remove this site and designate the Rio Vista Fire Station as a safe surrender site.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this resolution to the County. Cities and/or fire departments will bear the costs for signage, information and outreach, policy development, training and any other administrative costs.
DISCUSSION:
The Safely Surrendered Baby (SSB) Law aims to prevent exposing infants to the r...
Click here for full text