WOODBURN, Ind. — A newborn is now safe and healthy after being surrendered at a Safe Haven Baby Box in Woodburn, Indiana, the very first baby box ever installed.
The town is home to the Safe Haven Baby Box headquarters and opened the first one eight years ago.
“This surrender is extra special, this is where our vision became reality," said Monica Kelsey, Safe Haven Baby Box founder. "We are proud of our community being a leader in change, so that this mother in crisis would have the option of anonymity. It is an honor to have this mother trust us and we know she loves her baby immensely.”
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.
Indiana's Safe Haven Law allows moms in crisis to give up an unwanted infant without fear of prosecution.
There are now more than 260 Safe Haven Baby Boxes across the United States.
The National Safe Haven Crisis Line has helped with over 150 handoff surrenders. Each year, officials said the numbers increase with more baby boxes available across the country. Surrendered infants are adopted by families who have registered as foster to adopt
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.
