Safe Haven Baby Boxes Program Expands Across U.S. with Hundreds of Infants Surrendered

The Safe Haven Baby Boxes initiative, founded by Monica Kelsey after learning she was conceived in rape and abandoned at birth, provides a safe, anonymous way for parents in crisis to surrender newborns. The program now operates 457 boxes in 26 U.S. states, where 83 babies have been directly surrendered.

A companion phone line has fielded over 9,000 calls and facilitated 229 additional infant handoffs to police stations, fire stations, hospitals, and houses of worship. Kentucky legislation (HB 447 and HB 155) expanded state law to permit these climate‑controlled, lockable boxes with silent alarms, ensuring staff can respond within minutes.

Parents using the boxes waive their right to future court notifications and legal claims against the custodial agency, making the process a legally protected, confidential alternative to leaving a child on a doorstep.