BEECH GROVE, Ind. (WRMT) – Mothers with no other options are surrendering their unwanted newborn babies to baby boxes installed across multiple states.
A newborn baby was surrendered safely to the Safe Haven Baby Box at Beech Grove Fire Department. On Friday, Beech Grove officials announced that the baby is healthy and is doing well.
This surrender at Beech Grove Fire Department makes it the seventh baby in Indiana this year and the 17th baby surrendered at any baby box in 2023, according to the Safe Haven Baby Box organization.
The box was the 104th installed in Indiana, by far the most of any state.
Safe Haven Baby Box provides a resource for mothers with no other options while protecting infants. The organization has baby boxes in multiple states with heating and cooling systems inside to provide a safe and comfortable environment. Each box has silent alarms to notify first responders.
After being surrendered, the baby goes through a mediacal evaluation at a nearby hospital. Within 30 to 45 days the baby will likely be adopted by a family.
A new Indiana law speeds up the placement process for surrendered newborns, bypassing the Department of Child Services, custody and foster families.
If you or someone needs assistance finding a Safe Haven location or help to speak with a licensed counselor, please call the National Safe Haven crisis hotline at 1-866-99BABY1.
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