Indy Standard

State Rep. Dale DeVon has authored a new law in Indiana that extends the period during which infants can be safely surrendered by their biological parents. The legislation, recently signed by the governor, is intended to increase protections for infants and provide more options for families in crisis.

Previously, state law allowed parents to surrender an infant anonymously without fear of arrest or prosecution to emergency medical services providers, provided there were no signs of intentional abuse. Safe Haven Baby Boxes are available at locations such as fire stations and hospitals to facilitate these surrenders.

According to the Indiana Department of Child Services, 17 infants were surrendered through Safe Haven Baby Boxes in 2023. These boxes offer a secure and anonymous way for parents who cannot care for their newborns to ensure their safety.

"Safe Haven Baby Boxes are an incredible lifesaving measure that protect our most vulnerable," said DeVon, chair of the House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee. "We need to continue to make sure we're doing everything we can to protect the lives of innocent Hoosiers including providing safe alternatives for struggling families who are unable to provide adequate care for a child."

DeVon's legislation increases the age limit at which a baby may be considered a safe haven infant from 30 days old to 60 days old. This change aims to reduce child fatalities within the first two months of life and allow more time for parents facing difficult circumstances. The law also broadens adoption petition deadlines so potential adoptive parents can apply for children up to 60 days old.

Indiana currently has over 100 Safe Haven Baby Boxes installed across the state, with more than 350 located nationwide.

Women seeking assistance during pregnancy can contact the Safe Haven Crisis Hotline at 866-99BABY1 or visit shbb.org.

To learn more about House Enrolled Act 1099, click here.