Safe Haven Baby Box in Alabama
What You Need to Know Before You Go
If you’ve just given birth or are in a moment of crisis, you may be desperately Googling phrases like “safe haven baby box near me” or “how does a safe haven baby box work?” You’re not alone—and there is help available right now.
Yes, Safe Haven laws in Alabama allow you to legally surrender your baby without facing criminal charges—but adoption gives you a chance to give your baby more than just safety. It gives you a say in your child’s future, and you can still maintain confidentiality.
Get confidential help from an adoption professional
How Do Safe Haven Baby Boxes Work?
A Safe Haven Baby Box is a secure, anonymous surrender location typically installed at a fire station or hospital. Here's how these boxes work:
In Alabama, infants up to 72 hours old can be surrendered without fear of legal consequence. This offers privacy—but not peace. After using a baby box, your child may be placed in state custody, with no way for you to receive updates or be involved in their life.
Safe Haven Boxes vs. Adoption: What’s Right for You?
Choosing a baby box might seem like the simplest solution—but it also means giving up control. With adoption, you’re not alone. You’ll get free support, financial help, and the ability to choose the family who will raise your child.
Understanding Safe Haven Laws in Alabama: What You Should Know
Alabama’s Safe Haven Law allows a parent to surrender a baby who is 72 hours old or younger at a hospital or a staffed emergency medical service provider. You won’t be asked any questions, and you won’t face legal consequences.
But once that decision is made, it is final.
Adoption gives you time to think, support while you decide, and the chance to give your baby a great life without disappearing from it.
You can choose adoption weeks or months after birth, even after the timeline for using a safe haven baby box has passed.
Are There Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama currently has multiple Safe Haven Baby Boxes installed at fire departments and hospitals. These locations are equipped to take immediate custody of surrendered infants while ensuring their physical safety.
Save Haven Baby Boxes Near Me
Here are some Safe Haven Baby Box locations in Alabama:
- Dothan Fire Station #3 – Google Maps
- Prattville Fire Department – Google Maps
- Decatur Morgan Hospital – Google Maps
- Gadsden Fire Department – Google Maps
- USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital – Google Maps
To see more, use the Safe Haven Baby Box Locator Tool.
What Happens After You Use a Baby Box or Safe Haven Location in Alabama?
· Your baby is picked up and cared for by emergency responders.
· The baby is placed into state custody.
· A court begins the process of placing the child in foster care or a state-run adoption.
· You have no contact, no legal rights, and no say in where your child goes.
How Adoption Can Provide a Brighter Future—for You and Your Baby
Adoption through American Adoptions is completely free, and comes with life-changing benefits:
- You choose the adoptive family
- Financial assistance covers housing, food, medical bills
- Open adoption allows for continued contact
- 24/7 counseling to support your mental health
- Personal adoption planning tailored to your needs
There’s No Rush — Adoption Can Happen Before or After Birth
Even if you’ve already given birth—or even if you’ve considered a Safe Haven Box—adoption is still an option.
You can still:
- Receive financial support
- Choose the adoptive family
- Stay informed and in touch through open adoption
You can even choose adoption weeks or months after birth, even after the timeline for using a safe haven baby box has passed.
How You Can Maintain Your Privacy Without Sacrificing Your Peace of Mind
Adoption through our agency can be just as private as a Safe Haven Baby Box—but with more dignity, more support, and more choices.
You can protect your identity and still:
- Get updates about your child’s life
- Receive support and counseling
- Create a plan that reflects your values and hopes
Learn how adoption protects your privacy
FAQ About Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Alabama
What Makes Safe Haven Boxes Safe for Babies?
They are climate-controlled, ventilated, automatically locked, and monitored. Once closed, an alarm alerts staff to retrieve the baby within minutes. Emergency service professionals are on standby.
Can You Get Your Baby Back After Safe Haven in Alabama?
No. Once surrendered, the decision is legally irreversible in most cases.
Can Safe Haven Babies Be Adopted?
Yes, but you won’t choose the family. Babies are placed into the foster care system first.
Is There a Safe Haven Baby Box Age Limit in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama’s law allows babies 72 hours old or younger to be legally surrendered. But you can still choose adoption with no consequences, even after 72 hours.
What Does a Safe Haven Box Look Like?
It’s a small, secured box built into the side of a public building. It’s labeled clearly and designed to look like a door with a small bassinet inside.
What You Do Next Matters—And We Can Help
You’re facing an unimaginable decision. But you don’t have to do it alone—and you deserve to know all your options.
Give your baby the kind of life you dream for them. And give yourself peace.
Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.
