Hope's Cradle

The Hope’s Cradle safe surrender site is in a discreet area to protect the identity of the surrendering parent. Inside the temperature-controlled compartment is a bassinet and documentation that informs the parent of their rights and how the process works.

When the door is opened, a silent alarm is sent to the Fire Department Dispatch Centre.  First responders will be made aware that the door has been opened within approximately 30 seconds. The parent may place the infant in the bassinet and close the door. If the door remains open for longer than approximately 30 seconds an audible alarm will sound. This alarm is in place to alert the parent that first responders will be at the location soon.  It also serves as a reminder to close the door to keep the heat inside Hope’s Cradle. The audible alarm will stop sounding as soon as the exterior door is closed.

Once the door has closed it will not re-open from the outside until it is reset by the Fire Department. Fire Fighters in conjunction with EMS will respond to the infant, ensuring that medical care is provided promptly. Then the infant will be transferred to a City of Calgary Hospital, and placed under the care of the Ministry of Children Services. The surrendering parent will face no legal repercussions so long as the infant is found to be healthy.

 

Hope’s Cradle is meant as a last resort for parents that feel they have no other option. While we’re glad to be supporting this initiative, while we also hope no one has the need to use it.

Becoming pregnant can be stressful on its own whether the pregnancy was planned or not. Other stressors such as financial difficulties and mental health issues or obstacles like drug and alcohol dependency and domestic violence can make it seem like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. The resources below are in place to offer support to women facing these challenges.

 

Interested in bringing Hope’s Cradle to your community?  Learn more about the Hope’s Cradle initiative here.