Safe Haven Baby Box helps keep surrendered infants safe. Is Wichita getting one?
Wichita could become the next city in Kansas to receive a Safe Haven Baby Box.
The climate-controlled boxes, outfitted with alarms, allow a parent or legal guardian to anonymously and legally surrender unharmed infants, according to a city agenda report.
The report highlights an agreement between the city, Wesley Hospital, and Ascension Medical Foundation for the box donation, which will be located at Fire Station 9, at 350 South Edgemoor St.
The location was chosen for its proximity to both hospitals.
The city council will vote to approve the donation at its Tuesday meeting.
Ascension’s foundation will cover the initial $16,000 cost for the box, and the subsequent $600 annual fee for at least five years.
What is Safe Haven Baby Box?
Safe Haven Baby Box is a non-profit founded by Monica Kelsey, who was abandoned as an infant, according to the city report.
Kelsey started the non-profit to prevent illegal abandonment of infants.
“The initiative, which installs climate-controlled, alarmed, and secure boxes at fire stations and hospitals, was inspired by her personal history and similar systems in South Africa,” the agenda report reads.
Other Safe Haven Baby Box locations include Salina, Hutchinson, and Garden City, according to its website.
Kansas state law for surrendering infants
Kansas state law allows for infants up to 60 days old to be surrendered by their parent or legal guardian, as long as they are unharmed.
“Infants can be left at fire stations, police stations, hospitals, or with staff at other designated, staffed, and approved facilities,” the agenda report reads.
The city of Wichita said it does not know when the box will be installed.