SCHERERVILLE, IN – The Schererville Fire Department #2, in partnership with Safe Haven Baby Boxes, announced the second successful surrender of a newborn at their facility this year, bringing Indiana’s total to seven for 2023. This recent event marks the 16th nationwide surrender to a Baby Box in 2023.
Founded in 2016 by Monica Kelsey, a woman who was abandoned as an infant, Safe Haven Baby Boxes aims to provide an anonymous and safe surrender option for mothers in crisis. The organization also offers free confidential counseling and works to educate the public about the Safe Haven Law. The Baby Box at Schererville Fire Station #2, installed in May 2021, has been instrumental in offering a legal and anonymous option for mothers, with a system that alerts first responders within minutes of a surrender.
Fire Chief Robert Patterson expressed pride in the mother’s decision to use the facility, emphasizing the importance of the service in providing new beginnings for both infants and adoptive families.
Since 2017, 37 infants have been surrendered in Baby Boxes, with over 130 nationwide surrenders through the organization’s hotline. Baby Boxes are now available in multiple states across the U.S.
