New Baby Box Opens in Allen County, Offering a Lifeline for Parents in Crisis

A new beacon of hope has been installed in Allen County.

A Safe Haven Baby Box is now operational at the Southwest Fire District Station 3, offering a desperate parent the ultimate act of love: safe surrender.

Located at 12912 Indianapolis Road in Yoder, this device provides a last resort to prevent the tragedy of infant abandonment.

It is a profound statement of compassion from our community.

The installation marks another step in a nationwide movement to protect the most vulnerable among us.

Indiana has become a clear leader in this effort, now hosting 148 of the nation's 365 baby boxes.

The process is designed for complete anonymity and safety.

When a parent in crisis makes the difficult decision to use the box, they open an exterior door to place the newborn inside a climate-controlled bassinet.

Once the door closes, it automatically locks, and a silent alarm immediately alerts first responders inside the fire station.

Within moments, the baby is rescued and given a medical evaluation before being placed in the care of the Department of Family Services.

This ensures the infant's journey begins with care, not crisis.

From there, a loving family already registered to foster and adopt is waiting to provide a forever home.

This new baby box in Allen County is more than just an installation; it's a lifeline.

It acknowledges that desperate situations happen and provides a safe, legal, and judgment-free alternative.

For a parent feeling trapped with no other options, this box represents a path forward for their child.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Safe Haven Baby Box?

A Safe Haven Baby Box is a safety device that allows a parent to legally, safely, and anonymously surrender an infant under the state's Safe Haven Law. It is installed at a designated location like a fire station or hospital, is climate-controlled, and silently alerts first responders as soon as a baby is placed inside.

Is it legal to surrender a baby in Allen County this way?

Yes. Indiana's Safe Haven Law permits the anonymous surrender of a newborn infant (typically up to 30 days old) without fear of prosecution, as long as the baby is unharmed. The baby box is a legally sanctioned method for this process.

What happens to the baby after being placed in the box?

First responders retrieve the infant immediately and provide any necessary medical attention. The baby is then transferred to the custody of the local Department of Family Services, which places the child into a loving foster-to-adopt home.