INDIANAPOLIS — Chesterfield is the latest Indiana town to get a Safe Haven Baby Box.
The box will be installed at the East Madison Fire Station 51, located at 207 E. Main St., on Thursday, July 11 at 5 p.m.
"The newest addition represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide a safe and anonymous alternative to surrendering an infant," Safe Haven Baby Box founder Monica Kelsey said. "Our new location will offer a secure and compassionate option for parents in crisis and help ensure every infant has a chance for a safe and loving future."
Safe Haven Baby Boxes are temperature-controlled and sound an alarm to alert firefighters when an infant is placed inside. The baby is then retrieved within three minutes or less. Once taken out of the box, the baby is checked by medics, taken to the hospital and then placed with a family who will adopt the baby.
“We have seen time and time again that preparation can save and change lives," Kelsey said. "We never know when or where we will be needed, so having options for mothers in crisis is crucial. I am grateful for local advocates who take our mission to their community.”
Indiana's Safe Haven Law allows moms in crisis to give up an unwanted infant without fear of prosecution.
There are now more than 200 Safe Haven Baby Boxes across the United States, including 130 in Indiana.
Since 2017, Kelsey said 50 infants have been safely and legally surrendered in a baby box. The National Safe Haven Crisis Line has helped with over 150 handoff surrenders.
In addition to baby boxes, the organization provides a confidential National Hotline, 1-866-99BABY1.
To find a Safe Haven Baby Box location, click here.
