On Tuesday, a small crowd gathered outside of Fire House 32 in Shafter to celebrate "Safely Surrendered Baby Awareness Month".
In 2001, a law was originally signed in by former governor Grey Davis. A few years later in 2006 the law was permanently signed by former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
According to babysafe.ca.gov "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, with no questions asked."
Dena Murphy, Department of Human Services Director, says that having the coalition of resources in Kern County is extremely beneficial and has had such a big impact.
"It's so important to have a Safe Baby Coalition because it's an opportunity to provide education and outreach to mothers who may be in crisis and pick the very wise and beautiful choice of an alternative," said Murphy.
Since the law went into place in 2001, over 700 babies across the state have been safely surrendered.
Kern County officially started counting the number of babies saved under this law in 2006 and since then has successfully saved 55 newborns.
Numbers for 2015 have not been released yet, but babysafe.ca.gov reports that a total of 73 babies were safely surrendered in 2014.
The Safely Surrendered Baby Coalition of Kern County has been a leader in education throughout the area making sure people understand the parameters of the law.
Since the turn of the new year, Mark and Charity Brock were excited to announce that they were in the final steps of successfully adopting and saving a new baby boy.
While it is a difficult decision to make, Charity recognizes the will it took for this mom to do what she did.
"But for that mother, I recognize the deep sorrow in that and that's why I say it is such a courageous act," said Brock.
As for the Brock's and their four children, they're looking forward to adding to their family.
Forever remembering what it took to make that happen.
"She made a decision to do good for her child and I want my child to know that for the rest of his life. His birth mother did him good," said Brock.
