The Helena Fire Department is celebrating the opening of a new Safe Haven Baby Box, which will allow new mothers to surrender their babies, no questions asked.
“We pray this box is never needed, but we are grateful to know that if it is, it provides a safe alternative and the opportunity for a child to be loved, protected, and cared for,” the department posted on Facebook. “We thank those mothers ahead of time for making that choice!”
The box was installed at Fire Station No. 2. After final testing and a blessing ceremony, the box was open for use. It is the 21st baby box in the state.
State Rep. Donna Givens (R-Loxley) sponsored the legislation to make the boxes possible. The law allows mothers to anonymously surrender their babies for up to 45 days.
Once a baby is placed in a box, a silent alarm alerts firefighters who transport the baby to a local hospital for evaluation. The baby is then placed in the custody of the Alabama Department of Human Resources to find an adoptive family.
Safe Haven baby boxes can be located online and more information is available at 1-866-99-BABY-1.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day or become a member to gain access to exclusive content.
