HAMMOND, Ind. – A newborn was surrendered at a Safe Haven Baby Box in Hammond on September 6. It is the third newborn placed in a Safe Haven Baby Box in less than two years in Indiana.

The Hammond Baby Box has been active for less than 30 days.

The Franciscan Hospital Emergency Department and security were alerted as soon as the mother had placed the baby inside the box.

Officials arrived on the scene within 90 seconds to retrieve the newborn.

Monica Kelsey, Founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, said in a statement:

“I want to personally thank the brave mother that carried her child to term, kept her safe, and then exercised her rights under the safe haven law and surrendered her newborn in our box. She is healthy and perfect.”

She went on to say, “This brave young mom is exactly why I fight so hard to give moms more options. She contacted us within a few days of the surrender and we are providing her resources available in her area to give her the support she needs. She did not call the hotline before placing the newborn in the box, and she is not from the Hammond area.”

The baby is now in the custody of Child Services and they are working to find them an adoptive family.

If you would like to adopt this little girl, contact your local Department of Social Services and register as a foster/adoption family.