Mocobizscene-A baby was recently left in a baby box at a fire station in Carmel and has since been adopted. This marks the first adoption under the newly amended Indiana Safe Haven Law.
Starting from July 1, the amendment has come into effect, enabling surrendered babies to be directly placed with a licensed child placing agency instead of the Department of Child Services (DCS).
According to Meg Sterchi, the executive director of Adoptions of Indiana, the law ensures that a child does not remain in the foster care system for an extended period. Instead, they are placed with an adoptive family within hours, resulting in quicker adoptions. Sterchi further explains that adoptions can now be finalized in just three months, as opposed to the previous timeline of 18 months to three years.
Indiana has a total of 110 Safe Haven baby boxes, providing a safe and anonymous way for mothers facing crises to surrender their newborns if they are unable to care for them. These boxes are conveniently located in the exterior walls of fire stations and hospitals, ensuring the security and well-being of both the mother and the child.
Find a Safe Haven Baby Box Near You
Looking for a Safe Haven Baby Box in your area? You’ve come to the right place! We have compiled a comprehensive list of Safe Haven Baby Box locations for your convenience. These boxes provide a safe and anonymous way for parents to surrender their unwanted newborns, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes are equipped with alarms that notify emergency personnel as soon as a baby is placed inside. This ensures that the child receives immediate medical attention and is placed in the care of professionals. The boxes are installed at fire stations, hospitals, and other designated locations, making it easier for parents to find a safe place to leave their baby.
Our list includes information about the location, address, and contact details of each Safe Haven Baby Box, making it simple for you to locate the nearest one. We understand that this decision is not easy for parents, and we are here to offer support and assistance throughout the process.
If you or someone you know is considering surrendering a newborn, we encourage you to reach out to the nearest Safe Haven Baby Box location. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available to ensure the well-being of both you and your baby.
According to the organization, Carmel Fire Station #345 has received the highest number of surrendered babies in the country, with a total of four. The most recent addition to this count is a baby girl who was surrendered on August 7th.
According to Carmel Fire Chief David Haboush, the firefighters make it a priority to stay with the babies in the hospital until their family can be with them. He emphasizes that firefighters are committed to taking care of human life, and this situation aligns perfectly with their mission. Chief Haboush also highlights the importance of the law that enables them to provide this crucial support.
On National Adoption Day, Friday, Nov. 17, Judge David Najjar of Hamilton Superior Court 5 approved the adoption of the baby.
“I am absolutely thrilled,” Najjar exclaimed during the hearing. “Today, this courthouse will witness numerous adoption cases, but none will be as unique as this one. It is truly an honor for me to be a part of this moment and to announce that I am granting this adoption.”
The Safe Haven Hotline
It is the Safe Haven Hotline that serves as the starting point for most of these journeys, even though the attention is often focused on the boxes.
SHBB operates a round-the-clock Safe Haven hotline (1-866-99BABY1), where concerned parents can connect with knowledgeable experts who can provide them with valuable insights about their choices for surrendering their child or accessing support to better care for their baby.
The SHBB hotline is operated by licensed counselors who are trained to provide assistance and support.
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