Third newborn in a week surrendered to a Safe Haven Baby Box

WOODLANDS, Texas (Gray News) – A newborn was safely and anonymously surrendered Monday using a Safe Haven Baby Box at a fire station in Texas.

This was the third baby given up to the program in a week.

The Woodlands Fire Department followed all established Safe Haven Baby Box protocols, and the baby was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation.

“This Safe Haven Baby Box exists for moments exactly like this,” Fire Chief Palmer Buck said. “Today, a baby is safe because someone chose a secure and legal option during what was undoubtedly a difficult situation. We are grateful the system worked as intended and that the baby is now receiving the care they need.”

The Safe Haven Baby Box, located at The Woodlands Fire Department Station 6, provides a secure, anonymous option for the legal surrender of a baby.

How does a Safe Haven Baby Box work?

When a baby is placed inside the climate-controlled box, a silent alarm immediately alerts firefighters, allowing personnel to respond within minutes while preserving the anonymity of the individual surrendering the child.

Surrendered babies are typically adopted by a family within 30 to 45 days.

Officials with the Department of Child Services conduct interviews to find a home for the newborn.

“The Safe Haven Baby Box provides a compassionate option that protects the health and safety of babies while offering hope during a crisis,” Brad Bailey, chairman of The Woodlands Township, said. “We are thankful this baby is safe and commend the Fire Department for its commitment to providing this lifesaving resource to our community.”

The baby box was installed at the fire station in April 2025 and operates under the Texas Safe Haven law.

Resources for the parents

“To the parent, thank you! Thank you for keeping your baby safe and trusting us and the fire dept to take it from here,” Safe Haven Baby Box founder Monica Kelsey said. “We are praying for you!”

Safe Haven Baby Boxes offer free medical and counseling resources for the mother, should she need them.

Counseling services are available based on the birth mother’s schedule and are done online via Zoom at no cost.

If you need help finding a Safe Haven location or would like to speak to a licensed counselor, call the National Safe Haven crisis hotline at 1-866-99BABY1.

Women in crisis can call the national 24-hour hotline and receive counseling and assistance free of charge.