Knoxville has received it’s first Safe Haven Baby Box but what exactly is it?
A Safe Haven Baby Box is a safety device provided for under state’s Safe Haven Law and legally permits a mother in crisis to safely and securely surrender their newborn if they are unable to care for it. The box has an exterior door that automatically locks upon placement of a newborn inside the Baby Box and an interior door which allows a medical staff member to secure the surrendered newborn from inside the designated building.
As soon as the door is open a silent alarm you cannot hear from the outside will alert the first responder a baby is going to be surrendered. The response time to retrieve the child is normally under two minutes. Tennessee lawmakers have spent the last two years trying to put this into motion and a huge thanks goes out to Fire Department Station #17 for their heroic action serving as the first Safe Haven Baby Box location. Tennessee is one of 10 states that allow complete anonymity which protects the mother and the child.
If you are questioning your ability to care for your newborn the Safe Haven Baby Box is located at 4804 Western Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee, 37921. The Safe Haven Box organization has a 24/7 crisis line 1-866-99BABY1 The National Suicide & Crisis Hotline has a new toll-free number, 9-8-8.
