Family Forum / Parenting / Adoption / November 2006

CALIFORNIA

http://hometownstation.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3992

Providence Volunteers Campaign for Safe Surrender Baby Program

November 28, 2006 --  "Give Every Baby A Chance".  This is the
message that the TriValley Area Council of Hospital Volunteers (TVAC)
is spreading throughout the Antelope, Santa Clarita and San Fernando
Valleys.  More than 1,000 volunteers are joining together to bring
attention to the Safely Surrendered Baby Law.  The 12 member hospitals
of TVAC and the Los Angeles County Fire Department have also given
their support to this Safe Surrender community awareness campaign.
           "Too often we see and hear about the tragic stories of
babies left in dumpsters, alleys, public restrooms and other places,"
said Kay Radford, President of TVAC and a Providence Holy Cross
volunteer.  "The parents who abandoned these babies may have been
unaware of the Safely Surrendered Baby Law, which allows them to
surrender their baby legally, confidentially and safely at any Los
Angeles County hospital emergency room or fire station.  Because they
were afraid and had nowhere to turn for help, they abandoned their
infants. These children could experience pain or even death" said
Kay.
The TriValley Area Council of Volunteers and their 12 hospitals have
made it their mission to teach and engage the community in the Safely
Surrendered Baby Law.  They hope to protect more babies from being
abandoned by their parents and potentially from being hurt or killed.

This idea of a community awareness campaign began in June at a general
meeting held by the TriValley Area Council of Hospital Volunteers at
Northridge Hospital.  The volunteers were discussing the general topic
of the safety of children.  After that meeting, the decision was made
to pursue the possibility of a community education and outreach
program.  With approval from both Los Angeles County and the California
Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (CAHHS), the community
awareness campaign was developed.

"What scares me is that we hear about all the babies who were found
abandoned and hurt, but what about all the others who were never
found," Radford said.  The Safely Surrendered Baby Law is here to
protect children so that these tragedies do not have to happen.

The TriValley Area Council of Hospital Volunteers is asking for the
support of the community as they spread their message and create
awareness.  They hope to reach all people from all backgrounds and all
neighborhoods to prevent these kinds of tragedies.  As of July 2006,
153 babies were safely surrendered and with more awareness, more can be
saved. "Give Every Baby A Chance" posters will be distributed
throughout the three valleys to churches, schools and places of
business by dedicated and caring hospital volunteers.

11-28-06