Safe Haven Baby Boxes’ mission is to prevent illegal abandonment of newborns by raising awareness, offering a 24-hour hotline for mothers in crisis, and offering a last resort option for women. National Safe Haven Baby Boxes Crisis Hotline (1866-99BABY1).
A surrender in the Safe Haven Baby Boxes provides a last resort option. Women who call the National Safe Haven Baby Boxes Hotline are encouraged to do a face-to-face surrender for the sake of their rights and health. Each location offers copies that provide information about mothers’ rights and medical information, along with a reference to the Safe Haven Baby Boxes National Hotline and website.

The Indiana Safe Haven Law enables a person to give up an unwanted infant anonymously without fear of arrest or prosecution if the infant is 30 days or younger. As long as there are no signs of intentional abuse on the baby, no information is required of the person leaving the baby. Any knowledge of the date of birth, race, parent medical history, child’s health or anything that would be useful to the child’s caregiver would be greatly appreciated.

Once the baby is examined and given medical treatment (if needed), the Indiana Department of Child Services will take the baby into custody through Child Protective Services where it will be placed with a caregiver.

Should the mother contact Safe Haven Baby Boxes after the surrender, she will be provided the same information provided with a face-to-face surrender and given guidance on where to seek help.