Amarillo’s First Safe Haven Baby Box Offers a Last-Resort Lifeline

Something special and new is coming to Amarillo. It is something most of us will never use, but it's something that, if used, means life and death to someone very precious.

This is something that all Amarilloans should be grateful for.

Why Safe Haven Laws Exist

Picture this: you're a young woman, pregnant and at a crossroads in life. You don't know if you'll be able to raise a child. Many extenuating circumstances can leave someone feeling trapped. Then you have the baby, and you know you can't take care of an infant. What do you do?

We've all heard the horror stories of babies being thrown in trash, dumped in random places, and even killed after birth. No one wants to hear any more of these stories. There are many reasons why the Safe Haven laws were put into place. Luckily, Texas is one of the states that has safe haven laws.

What is the Safe Haven Law?

Parents who are unable to care for a newborn can legally surrender their baby without fear of criminal charges. However, certain conditions must be met, for example:

• The infant must be unharmed
• The baby must be 60 days old or younger
• The baby must be surrendered at a hospital, fire station, or EMS station and handed to an on-duty employee
• The parent may choose to provide medical history or decline to answer questions
• After surrender, the baby receives medical care, and Child Protective Services takes over

While some are still afraid to leave their babies at a hospital or firehouse, an organization took it one step further and partnered with fire departments across the United States to create the Safe Haven Baby Box.

How Does the Safe Haven Baby Box Work?

This box is placed at fire departments. The mother or person opens the door, places the baby in a safe box, which is like the bassinets they have at hospitals. Once that door is shut, an alarm is sounded, and first responders are at the box in less than a minute, providing care for the baby.

The Story Behind the Baby Box Movement

The Safe Haven Baby Box began with Monica Kelsey. She was left at a hospital by her birth mother after delivery. Her birth mother was sexually assaulted. After traveling overseas and seeing how other countries had baby boxes, she brought the idea to the United States.

Amarillo Dedicates Its First Safe Haven Baby Box

Amarillo is finally getting its first Safe Haven Baby Box. The Safe Haven Baby Box will be located at Fire Station #9 at 2015 Paramount Blvd. The fire department is hosting an opening ceremony on Wednesday, February 4, at 1 pm. to dedicate the baby box and put it into service.

This Safe Haven Baby Box represents compassion, safety, and a community coming together to protect its mostvulnerable,” said Amarillo Fire Department Community Educator Jason Love.  It is not just a piece of equipment, it is a promise that help is always available and that no one has to face a moment of crisis alone.

Read More: Amarillo Fire Station Shows Why Texas' Safe Haven Law Is Vital

What This Means for Amarillo Families

This is a huge step for Amarillo and will ensure that parents have options for their baby when families feel they have no other choices. It's a safe way for a parent to surrender a baby, while the baby stays safe and well cared for.

Read More: Video Shows Woman Shooting at Car With a Baby in the Back Seat