Tennessee’s first Safe Haven Baby Box was used for the first time since its installation last week, according to the Knoxville Fire Department (KFD).
In a tweet, they said, “This Baby Box is the first in TN, and this was the 1st time it was used since its installation. This resource is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at Fire Station 17 and is entirely anonymous for any parent who needs a place to turn in a time of crisis.”
Mothers of newborns are legally allowed to surrender unharmed babies to designated facilities within two weeks of birth without fear of being prosecuted under the Tennessee Safe Haven Law. As long as the baby is unharmed and the child is surrendered within two weeks of birth, the mother – or parents – will not be prosecuted and will be assured of complete confidentiality.