Friday, February 18, 2022
In 2000, Indiana joined 45 other states in enacting a Safe Haven Law for the protection of Hoosier infants.
On Monday, the state's 78th and nation's 99th Safe Haven Baby Box was installed at the Monticello Fire Department in White County.
Under current Indiana law, Safe Haven Baby Boxes serve as an option for mothers to safely surrender a child they feel they are unable to care for without fear of arrest and prosecution. The boxes are climate controlled with an alarm system, so first responders can swiftly retrieve the baby once placed inside.
Last session, the General Assembly passed House Bill 1230 to allow emergency medical personnel to take custody, without a court order, of a child who is, or appears to be, less than 30 days of age if a child is voluntarily left in a baby box. The bill also protects the parent's identity if the child is placed in a baby box or the parent calls 911 and stays with the baby until emergency personnel arrive.
Thankfully, Indiana has not reported an infant's death as a result of illegal abandonment since the first baby box was installed in April 2016. Nationally, 15 babies have been safely turned over to first responders since November 2017. Three of those infants have been directly placed in the care of emergency personnel because of the boxes' installment at local fire stations and hospitals.
The Senate continues to support measures to improve baby boxes and ensure the safety of infants.
To find the nearest baby box, call the National Safe Haven Baby Box Hotline at 1-866-99BABY1.
