Safe Haven Baby Box

What is Safe Haven?

In Maryland, no one ever has to abandon a newborn baby. Under the Safe Haven law, a distressed parent who is unable or unwilling to care for their infant can safely give up custody of their baby, no questions asked. Newborns can be left at hospitals or law enforcement stations, some of which are listed below. Download a brochure for more information.

A parent (or another adult with the approval of the mother) has up to 10 days from the birth to invoke Safe Haven anonymously and safely leave a baby with a responsible adult at a designated location. A person who invokes Safe Haven is immune from civil liability or criminal prosecution provided the child is unharmed.

If you have questions about Maryland’s Safe Haven law, call the Department of Human Resources at 800-332-6347 or your local department of social services

How the safe haven Baby Box Works

All Safe Haven Baby Boxes are electronically monitored and are equipped to notify 911 as soon as the outer door is open. If there is no one in the building, no worries, 911 dispatch will dispatch the closest fire or police personal.

Source for Content: Safe Haven Baby Box and DHS Maryland