Lubbock records Texas' first Safe Haven Baby Box surrender

A newborn was safely surrendered in Lubbock this week, marking the first time Texas’ Safe Haven Baby Box program has been used since the devices were introduced in the state.

Lubbock Fire Rescue officials said the baby was placed inside a Safe Haven Baby Box, a secure, temperature-controlled device installed at select fire stations that allows parents to anonymously and legally surrender an infant. The child was found safe and unharmed, according to authorities.

According to a social media post made by Lubbock Fire Rescue, the infant was recently surrendered at Fire Station No. 9. Officials said the baby will receive any necessary medical care before being placed in the custody of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

What is a Safe Haven Baby Box?

Safe Haven Baby Boxes are a safe, legal and anonymous way for parents in crisis to surrender a child if they are unable or unwilling to care for it.

When opened, the exterior door to the box locks automatically and silent alarms are triggered to alert emergency responders that a child was placed inside. Authorities will then swiftly retrieve the child through an interior door.

The Safe Haven law, also known as the Baby Moses law, allows parents to surrender their infant without fear of prosecution or judgment. The child can be placed in a Safe Haven Baby Box or they can be handed off to an employee at a designated safe place, such as a hospital, fire station, free-standing emergency center or EMS station.

The child will receive any necessary medical care before being placed in the custody of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

The law was intended to reduce the risk of harm or abandonment by parents who may be in crisis.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes were first launched in 2016, and there are now 410 boxes and counting across 23 U.S. states. There are not yet Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Austin or San Antonio.

What are the eligibility requirements to surrender a child in Texas?

In order to surrender a child without being prosecuted for abuse or neglect, parents must ensure the following requirements are met.

• In Texas, the infant must be younger than 60 days. The age limit for surrender varies by state.
• The infant must be unharmed and safe when placed in the box.

For more information, call or text the Safe Haven Baby Box Hotline at 1-866-992-2291. The hotline is available 24/7 and accommodate Spanish language speakers, as well.