Baby Surrendering

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Surrendering is NOT abandonment. Leaving a baby in a legal baby safe box where they will be collected within minutes is never abandonment.

Steps to surrendering at a baby box:

1. Locate the baby box and open it, removing any bag with information and resources.
2. Gently place the baby inside.
3. Close the box, locking it which will sound an alarm to allow someone to collect the baby.

Steps to surrendering at an adoption agency

1. When arriving, inform the staff (hospital personnel, firefighter, paramedic) that you wish to surrender under Florida law and do not intend to take the infant back.
2. You may be asked to fill out paperwork requesting medical information and other important facts about your newborn, yourself, and the father. Completing this information is optional and will be used to share important medical issues with the infant’s adopted family. Anonymity is protected, and you are not required to answer detailed questions.
3. After the infant is medically cleared, you will be free to leave with no questions asked.