Frequently Asked Questions
How do the baby boxes work? What if someone forgets to check the box?
All Safe Haven Baby Boxes are electronically monitored and are equipped to notify 911 as soon as the outer door is open. If there is no one in the building, no worries, 911 dispatch will dispatch the closest fire or police personal.
How does the box work?
1. Parent opens the door to the baby box and a silent alarm is triggered and a call goes to dispatch.
2. Parent places the baby in the bassinet. A sensor is located on the inside of the box that triggers a second call dispatch call.
3. Parent can push a button or simply close the door, which sets off a third alarm and call to dispatch and locks the exterior door.
4. Emergency personnel retrieves the baby from the inside, evaluates, and takes the baby to the hospital.
Can I get a Safe Haven Baby Box for my fire station or hospital?
Currently the only states that have included baby boxes in the safe haven law is Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. If you would like to change the law in your state and would like a copy of model legislation click the button below.
If you would like more information about adding this life saving feature to your location send an email to Chanel@SafeHavenBabyBoxes.com
How much does a SHBB Cost?
- Saving the lives of infants is the ultimate goal, and we believe that it should not be measured by the amount of effort or by a monetary value, but instead by the quality and availability of resources made available to end abandonment and focus on those in crisis.
- The final accounting is immaterial when compared to ensuring even just one of these children is provided the opportunity to live and thrive because a parent had an option for a safe surrender.
- The expenses associated with the Safe Haven Baby Box program are typically supported by donations from individuals and other organizations in a community. Community leaders and citizens recognize the importance of the Safe Haven Baby Boxes program and usually do not experience problems with securing funds.
- Installing a baby box provides a tangible element and can serve as a starting point to reinforce the existing law, educating the community, and decreasing the risk of further infanticide.
More Frequently Asked Questions
Facts about SHBB
- The Safe Haven Laws have been updated to include Safe Haven Baby Boxes (safety devices) in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and Arizona.
- There are 22 active baby boxes - 17 in Indiana and 3 in Ohio and 1 in Arkansas.
- Thirteen more baby boxes are planned to be available in Indiana, Ohio, and Arkansas by the end of 2019.
- More than 40 communities are working on placing a Safe Haven Baby Box in a local hospital or fire station.
- Indiana has not had a death by illegal abandonment since the first baby box was made available in April 2016.
- The SHBB National Hotline has received over 4,000 call since inception.
- The SHBB National Hotline assisted with 62 surrenders.
- Four babies have been safely surrendered in the Safe Haven Baby Boxes baby box in Michigan City, Indiana, Hammond Indiana and Crown Point Indiana.
- Nine babies were safely surrendered in 2019 in Indiana as a result of calls to the SHBB National Hotline.
- Two babies have been surrendered directly to emergency personnel in locations that have a Safe Haven Baby Box installed.
- Ohio’s abandonment rate continues to drop each year and with additional baby box installations.
- Reports of opposition of the SHBB program were released prior to the SHBB program going live to the community (before April 2016). There have not been any substantial arguments against the program since.
Are the baby boxes medical devices?
It has been determined by the FDA that the Safe Haven Baby Box, like the baby drawers in Arizona, is not a medical device and does not require FDA regulations. The baby box and the baby drawer are not available for sale to the public. FDA Determination Letter below.
How can I adopt a baby from Safe Haven?
Currently, babies surrendered under the safe haven law, including using our baby boxes are relinquished to the department of children services to begin the process of terminating parental rights and placing them with an adoptive family. Depending on your state, if you would like to be considered, contact your Department of Child services, and register as a foster parent with intent to adopt.
Installing Baby Boxes
What locations can install baby boxes
States available to Install Baby Boxes
Currently five states allow for the use of Baby Boxes. Those states are Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Locations within these states who can install a baby box
Currently Fire Stations and Hospitals are approved Safe Haven Baby Box locations.
Is there any grants available to help with the cost?
The expenses associated with the Safe Haven Baby Box program are typically supported by donations from individuals and other organizations in a community. Community leaders and citizens recognize the importance of the Safe Haven Baby Boxes program and usually do not experience problems with securing funds. Installing a baby box provides a tangible element and can serve as a starting point to reinforce the existing law, educating the community, and decreasing the risk of further infanticide.
Can we fundraise for a baby box?
Absolutely! We encourage it! And we can assist!
Who can we contact to get started?
Steps for installing a Safe Haven Baby Box
Apply for Permits
Apply for permits from the local building inspection authority, if applicable. SHBB may provide
box specifications as needed and upon request. Contractor and facility owner should consider
consulting with the building architect on file for the location, or a professional structural
engineer.
Consult a building Architect
Wall sections of each building will defer, and owner and contractor should consult the building architect or a
professional engineer for structural recommendations, such as a header.
Demolition
Once permit is received, coordination with site owner(s) and contractor may begin with
demolition for installation.