Safe Haven Baby Box

“We had rather have a box and not need it,” says Monica Kelsey founder and CEO, Than to not have a box and need it.”

Written by Samantha C Sinclair on May 9, 2024

What if you found yourself in the unthinkable situation of giving birth, and not seeing any hope of keeping your baby? What options are out there.

Adoption, that one is well known. But about a lesser known option?

Have you ever heard of Safe Haven Baby Box’s? Founder and CEO Monica Kelsey says there are box’s in 16 states. They are working to get more in place around the country.

Kelsey was adopted. After High School, she joined the US Military. That is where she found her love of fire fighting. After returning home, she joined the fire Department and became a firefighter and a medic.

“I’ve always been on the front lines fighting for something,” Kelsey told BNWS.

At age 37 she accidentally found her birth mother. While on a speaking tour to Africa Kelsey saw something that changed her life.

A baby safe in the wall.

The first baby box that went in place was at her firehouse. That was in 2016. The first baby box served its purpose in America for the first time in November, 2017.

Kelsey says Kentucky jumped on board early on. There had been a lot of incidences where babies were found in trash cans and dumpsters in Kentucky. Just last year there were three babies left in baby box’s, and multiple hand offs.

Locations intrested in getting a baby box should contact Safe Haven Baby Box’s. You can learn much more on their website and Facebook page. There is a road map on their website you can print off. Kelsey says some people want to skip steps, then you have to go back and complete them. But if you follow the road map, you will get to the end of the road. Parents should call the one eight hundred number if you are in crisis. If it is before the birth, they will do their best to connect you with your local crisis Pregnancy Center. You will be guided by them before the birth. Safe Haven Baby Box’s is for after the baby is born. By calling this hotline parents in crisis can receive counseling. This is free. Medical help has also been provided. Kelsey said just about all situations have been assisted through the hotline. No two surrenders are the same.

Kelsey says all locations should be providing education about The Safe Haven Law to first responders. In addition it should be brought to knowledge of high school students before college. If you would like to become a volunteer for your community reach out to Safe Haven Baby Box’s.