Hope's Cradle

The Hopes Cradle safe surrender site is located at the Strathmore Fire Department, 721 Lakeside Blvd. This initiative provides a safe location to surrender an infant as a last resort for parents that feel they have no other option. The project was made possible by the Strathmore Emergency Services Member's Association and local charity, Gems for Gems. Hope's Cradle indoor bassinet How it works The Hopes 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 Hopes 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 Baby Box Operational What to do if youre in crisis Hopes Cradle is meant as a last resort for parents that feel they have no other option. While were 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 theres no light at the end of the tunnel. The resources below are in place to offer support to women facing these challenges. Crisis Shelters Leaving a Relationship Financial Support Addictions Support Pregnancy Support Mental Health Resources Other Resources Interested in bringing Hopes Cradle to your community? Learn more about the Hopes Cradle initiative here.

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Website

https://strathmore.ca/en/residents/hope-s-cradle.aspx