In a recent development, the state of Kentucky has recorded its first infant being anonymously dropped off at a “baby box” safe surrender location. The child was dropped off at a Bowling Green Fire Department location within the last seven days, as per Safe Haven Baby Boxes founder and CEO Monica Kelsey. She declined to reveal further details to protect the child’s anonymity.
The infant is the 24th child to be surrendered at one of the over 130 baby boxes and drawers that the organization has established across nine states. The child is reportedly healthy and officials are now on the lookout for a “forever home” for the child.
In 2021, Governor Andy Beshear signed a law that permits the use of baby boxes for children who are under 30 days old. The law mandates that the boxes should be located at police stations, fire stations, or hospitals that are staffed 24 hours a day. It also requires the boxes to be equipped with a notification system to alert the first responders when a child has been placed inside.
Currently, Kentucky has 16 baby box locations and the Bowling Green box had been operational for less than two months. The Safe Haven Baby Boxes are installed in the exterior walls of fire stations or hospitals. An exterior door automatically locks when a newborn is placed inside and an interior door allows a medical staff member to secure the baby from inside the building.
Monica Kelsey, the CEO of the organization, stated that the child was “legally, safely, anonymously, and lovingly placed inside of this Safe Haven Baby Box”. Republican state representative Nancy Tate, who sponsored the legislation, aims to have at least one baby box in every Kentucky county. She expressed her delight at the support that the project has received and said that it makes her heart full.
(Inputs from AP)
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