What is a Safe Haven Baby Box, and How Can I Place My Baby in a Safe Haven?
By Melissa Camacho
If you are pregnant and considering adoption, a baby haven is a second option besides an adoption plan. Our adoption agencies in Missouri can provide you with as much guidance to safely place your baby in a haven. You are a birth mother experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, and you may feel you are not ready for parenting. We first want you to feel secure and comfortable seeking adoption in Missouri. Adoption Choices of Missouri is staffed with courteous and knowledgeable adoption professionals who provide exceptional services to all birth mothers. Seeking a private adoption service to reduce the pain and frustration during pregnancy is the first step. If you prefer to place your baby in a safe haven in Missouri, we will help you. Before making your final decision, let’s take a look at the purpose, process, and requirements of a Safe Haven Baby Box.
How Baby Safe Haven Boxes Work?
A baby safe haven box is a safety device built into the wall of a hospital or a fire station. As per the National Safe Haven Crisis line, a baby safe haven allows a mother to relinquish her parental rights to her baby in unharmed conditions. Depending on your state, the baby safe haven box is turned over to temporary foster care. In addition, the birth mother has 60 to 90 days to claim her baby back. Otherwise, her baby will then be submitted to an adoption agency.
Steps to Locate a Baby Safe Haven
Baby safe havens are legally safe locations where a birth mother can leave her baby with a baby safe haven provider. Types of baby safe havens are:
- Hospitals
- Maternity Homes
- Pregnancy Centers
- Ambulance Stations
- Police Stations
- Fire stations
You must place your baby with a baby safe haven provider who will take legal custody of your child. The baby safe haven provider will notify the welfare department to place your baby up for adoption. Types of baby safe haven providers are:
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Hospital staff or volunteers
- Pregnancy staff member or volunteer from a maternity home
- Firefighters
- Law Enforcement Officers
Your baby will be transported to the nearest hospital if you decide to leave your baby in another location besides a hospital. The hospital will provide your baby with care and medical treatment. We also have a baby safe haven location for you at Adoption Choices of Missouri.
Adoption Requirements of a Baby Safe Haven
Knowing and understanding the eligibility requirements of a baby safe haven in Missouri is important. Take note of all specific requirements and measures you can take to consider a baby safe haven. The following eligibility requirements are:
- Your child must be at least 1.5months, equivalent to 45 years old or younger
- There should be no bruises or any other signs of physical abuse
- Voluntarily provide any health-related information that will further help support your child
Your Role and Rights in the Baby Safe Haven Placement Process
You don’t need to provide proof of your identity. Therefore, you can remain anonymous throughout the baby safe haven placement process. Adoption paperwork or contracts are not required. Remember that you will turn over your parental rights and proceed with the adoption process. In addition, you will be protected from child abandonment, endangerment, or prosecution when you safely leave your child with a baby safe haven professional.
The Children’s Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services Services will assure you that your baby will be safely placed in a permanent home under proper care. You can choose a closed adoption if you do not want any communication with the adoptive family or disclose any personal information.
Choosing a Baby Safe Haven is Just as Flexible and Safe as an Adoption Plan
If you feel you are unable to undertake the responsibilities of raising your child, you have a right to search for viable solutions. It’s not easy raising a child without any support or lack of child care resources. However, considering adoption or a safe haven in Missouri will contribute to your child’s safety, growth, and development.
We want you to know you are not alone by providing instant access through our private adoption service in Missouri. If you also want to locate our adoption agencies or learn about our baby safe haven process, search for adoption agencies near me to be connected to an adoption professional. Adoption Choices of Missouri ensures our birth mothers are treated with respect and dignity. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our adoption agencies in Missouri today!
Safety, Support, and Stability are our priorities in shaping the lives of our birth mothers. Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri, call or text us at 816-527-9800.
