CLINTON, Tennessee — A Safe Haven Baby Box, a device that allows mothers to surrender their newborns safely, was installed in Anderson County and is set to be blessed this week.
This baby box, which is Tennessee's fifth, is located on the back of Bay 1 at the Clinton Fire Department Station 2.
Isaiah 117 House Anderson County provided funding to place a Safe Haven Baby Box in the county.
“We are extremely excited that the City of Clinton will be the new home of a Safe Haven Baby Box. The Safe Haven Baby Box will allow hope and a new beginning for a child in need while providing grace for the surrendering parents. Being a voice to the fatherless and advocating for the children in our community is what we are all called to do," Isaiah 117 House Program Coordinator Andrea Townsend said.
A mother can surrender her unharmed newborn to designated facilities within two weeks of birth without fear of being prosecuted under the Safe Haven Law. The Safe Haven Baby Box allows the mother to do this anonymously.
When the door of a baby box opens, a silent alarm sounds alerting first responders, along with when the infant is placed in the bassinet and when the door shuts and automatically locks, according to the Safe Haven Baby Box website.
The baby will be immediately transported to the hospital and the baby is placed with an adoptive family.
The blessing of the Anderson County Safe Haven Baby box is taking place on Wednesday, April 17 at 3 p.m.
