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Programs & Services


Angel Cradle Program

Offers a safe place for parents to anonymously give up their child.

Service offers:

  • an anonymous safe haven and last resort option for parents who feel they cannot keep their newborn baby

After leaving a newborn baby:

  • a delayed alarm will be triggered after the child is placed in the cradle, to give the adult time to walk away
  • newborns receive a health assessment and a hospital social worker will contact Child and Family Services Authority (CFSA)
  • the baby will be placed in temporary care with Child and Family Services Authority (CFSA)
  • Child and Family Services Authority (CFSA) will make all attempts to identify and locate the parents - they are obligated to do so according to the law
  • the hospital or police will not try to locate the infant's parents as long as the child is not harmed in any way (leaving a baby is not a criminal offence unless the baby is injured)

The program supports the rights of children to know their parental history, and this program is a preventative measure that gives the child a chance to know its history and be reunited if the parent(s) comes forward later. Parents are encouraged to leave health and medical information about the mother, father, and baby.

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Contact Details

Grey Nuns Community Hospital

Location Info
Door located outside of the Emergency department
Address
1100 Youville Drive NW
Edmonton, Âé¶¹Ó³»­
T6L 5X8
Telephone
N/A
Website
Getting There

Public transportation available

Hours of Operation
Available
24 hour service
Access
Eligibility

Service targeted to:

  • parents with newborn infants
  • who feel they have no other options
Service Access

To access service:

  • pamphlets are located inside the Angel Cradle that explain the process thoroughly and provide more contacts for information, help, and support

Process:

  • an enclosed cradle is located behind the door (located outside of the building)
  • the parent leaving an infant can place the child inside and secure the door shut
  • once the door has been secured for 60 seconds, an alarm sounds in the Emergency department. This signals a nurse to go look through the digital peephole to make sure there is no sign of another adult, ensuring the privacy of whomever is placing the infant inside

Service Locations