Safe Haven Baby Boxes fills the void in the Safe Haven movement as the only organization in the nation dedicated to providing an anonymous surrender option for mothers in crisis.
The organization was founded in 2016 by Monica Kelsey who learned in adulthood she was abandoned as an infant. Now her life’s mission is to end infant abandonment and advocate for the Safe Haven Law. In addition to educating citizens on the Safe Haven Law, Safe Haven Baby Boxes provides free confidential counseling via their hotline 1-866-99BABY1.
Kelsey explained, “We are thrilled to be launching a brand new state! Anonymous surrender can end infant abandonment, we’ve seen it successfully end deadly abandonments in our home state of Indiana. When we are prepared for a crisis and dutifully protect the most vulnerable, we can have a powerful impact. We know our mothers boldly and sacrificially love their infants, but their life is not compatible with parenthood for whatever reason. These infants are quickly adopted by families eager to welcome a new addition and are such a blessing.”
“We, as a Commission, are excited to be the first County in West Virginia to provide a Baby Box. We are even more proud to be able to offer this service to mothers in crisis.”, said Mike Ferro, Marshall County Commission President.
A Baby Box allows for the legal, safe, and anonymous surrender of an infant provided under the Safe Haven Law. It features three silent alarms alerting first responders to the presence of a surrendered infant. The baby will be attended to within five minutes and taken to the hospital for medical evaluation. Adoption occurs within 30 to 45 days by families who are signed up for foster care with the intention to adopt.
The Safe Haven Baby Box will be located at the MC EMS Moundsville Base Station, 6 Tomlinson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041.
The Safe Havens Baby Box was purchased and fully funded by the Marshall County Commission.
There will be a blessing for the Baby Box today at 2pm and the community is welcome to attend.
Following the blessing, the Baby Box will be available 24/7 to serve vulnerable
women in crisis and their infants.
