Indy Standard

Recently, State Representative Joanna King participated in the dedication of a Safe Haven Baby Box at the Goshen Fire Department's Central Station. The installation was funded by a $10,000 grant from 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County. King also opened a fund at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County in 2022 to assist with additional expenses. She emphasized that no taxpayer money was used for this project.

"I'm honored to be a part of such an important initiative that strives to give newborn children a chance for a better life," King stated. "Safe Haven Baby Boxes allow for a safer alternative for struggling mothers who are unable to provide care for their infant to anonymously surrender them. Thanks to Hoosiers like Safe Haven Baby Boxes Founder Monica Kelsey, the legislation we drafted in Indiana has become the standard that is used throughout the United States for programs like this."

The Safe Haven Law in Indiana, first enacted in 2000 and expanded several times, permits newborns under 30 days old to be surrendered safely and anonymously without any signs of abuse or neglect. These baby boxes are temperature-controlled and alert emergency personnel when an infant is placed inside.

This new addition marks Goshen's first baby box and the 145th installed across Indiana. Nationwide, there are currently 321 Safe Haven Baby Boxes with 33 babies having been surrendered through these devices.

Women seeking assistance during pregnancy can reach out via the Safe Haven Crisis Hotline at 1-866-99BABY1 or visit shbb.org for more information or to make donations.