Guidance for a Safe Surrender
Safe Surrender
What You Must Do
When receiving a surrendered infant, you must:
Care for the infant
Advise the parent that they may, but are not required to, provide the infant and/or parents' name(s) and medical history
Ask the parent if they wish to give up parental rights and release the infant for adoption
If the parent answers "yes", you must assist the parent in contacting the
Office of Children's Services (OCS)
If the patient answers "no", you must immediately notify OCS
Physical locations, phone numbers, and fax numbers for OCS offices may be found on the OCS Contact Us page
The statewide toll free reporting number for child abuse or surrendered infants is
Caring for the Infant
If the infant is in need of immediate medical attention, provide care or request emergency medical services. If there is any doubt about the health of the infant, arrange for the infant to be transported to the nearest clinic or hospital by emergency medical services personnel in an infant car seat unless medical procedures prohibit placement of the infant in a proper restraint device.
If a delay is expected in the arrival of an OCS representative, the infant should be thoroughly assessed by a certified or licensed health care provider as soon as possible. All findings of the assessment should be documented.
If possible, ask if the baby is being breastfed or is on a special formula.
If you do not have a clinic or hospital in your community, you should have some basic supplies on hand to care for an infant or know where in your community you can quickly acquire them any time of day. Basic supplies to consider include:
Infant car seat
Baby formula
Soft, warm blankets
Bulb syringe
Diapers
Baby wipes
Pacifiers
Socks
Hat
Supplies should be new or sanitized and of appropriate size for a newborn.