Newborn surrendered in Safe Haven Baby Box for first time in state’s history

RACINE, Wis. (WSAW/Gray News) – A newborn was safely surrendered in a Safe Haven Baby Box for the first time in Wisconsin state history.

According to officials, the baby was placed in the Safe Haven Baby Box at a fire department in Racine on Oct. 16.

Division Chief Joshua Weber said in the release obtained by the Racine County Eye that the infant was in good health and immediately cared for by on-duty firefighters.

The baby was taken to the hospital for an evaluation and then placed in the custody of Child Protective Services.

Weber said the process of finding a permanent adoptive home has already begun.

The baby box was installed in December.

Monica Kelsey founded Safe Haven Baby Boxes to end infant abandonment. In addition to the baby boxes, the organization operates a confidential national hotline to provide immediate support to mothers in crisis.

Officials say the National Safe Haven Crisis Line has assisted in more than 175 handoff surrenders and 66 baby box surrenders nationwide.

Baby Boxes are currently available in 23 states, offering parents a safe and legal option. Each surrendered infant is placed through adoption with families registered as foster-to-adopt.

For more information about Safe Haven Baby Boxes, visit the organization’s website. If you are a parent in crisis, you can call or text 1-866-99BABY1 to reach the National Safe Haven Crisis Line.