Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Colorado: What to Know Before You Walk Away
What if the hardest moment of your life could still lead to hope, safety, and a better future for both you and your baby?
Colorado law allows you to safely surrender your newborn, but there may be options that offer more support, privacy and peace of mind.
If you'd like to recieve finanical suport and place your baby for adoption while completely maintaining your privacy, call 1-800-ADOPTION for assistance or fill out our quick form.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about safe haven baby boxes in Colorado, your legal rights, and how adoption may help you build a better future for yourself and your baby.
How Do Safe Haven Baby Boxes Work?
A Safe Haven Baby Box is a method for surrendering a baby under your state’s safe haven laws. It’s a secure, temperature-controlled drawer installed in designated fire stations or hospitals.
Here's how it works:
These boxes are meant to offer a last-resort, judgment-free way to safely surrender an infant. However, using a baby box means giving up your rights with no ability to receive updates or choose who raises your baby.
That's why many women choose to work with an adoption agency rather than drop their baby off at a baby box.
Safe Haven Boxes vs. Adoption: What’s Right for You?
While baby boxes offer anonymity, they limit your choices. Adoption with American Adoptions gives you so much more.
You can remain completely private through adoption and still ensure your child is safe, loved and cared for by a family you choose.
Learn more about how you can recieve financial support through adoption.
Understanding Safe Haven Laws in Colorado: What You Should Know
Safe Haven laws exist in all 50 states, including Colorado. These laws allow a parent to surrender a newborn anonymously and without facing criminal charges, as long as the baby is unharmed and placed in the care of an approved provider
Colorado’s Safe Haven Law allows you to legally and anonymously surrender your baby if:
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Your child is 72 hours old or younger
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You take them to a fire station or hospital
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The baby is handed over to personnel on site
After surrender, parental rights are terminated permanently, and the child enters the foster care system for adoption.
Are There Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Colorado?
No, Colorado does not currently have any Safe Haven Baby Boxes. The nearest locations are across the border in New Mexico:
Save Haven Baby Boxes Near Me
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Espanola: Española Main Fire Department
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Bloomfield: Bloomfield Fire Department
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Farmington: Farmington Fire Department
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Grants: Grants Fire & Rescue
If you live near the southern Colorado border, these may be accessible, but they offer no follow-up, no emotional support and no chance to participate in your child’s future.
Note: If you decide to utilize a Safe Haven Baby Box in a neighboring state, you will need to educate yourself on that state’s safe haven laws.
What Happens After You Use a Baby Box or Safe Haven Location in Colorado?
When you surrender your baby using a Safe Haven Baby Box or safe haven location:
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Your parental rights are immediately terminated
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Child Protective Services assumes custody
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The baby may be placed in temporary foster care before state adoption
You will have no ability to choose the adoptive family and cannot receive updates. Most states do not allow reclaiming custody once the child is surrendered
How Adoption Can Provide a Brighter Future—for You and Your Baby
When you choose adoption, you’re not giving up on your baby; you’re giving them the best possible start in life.
Unlike a Safe Haven Baby Box, where your baby is placed into foster care and you don’t get to know what happens next, adoption through a licensed agency like American Adoptions puts you in control and gives your baby a stable, loving family from the very beginning.
You deserve support and the power to shape your future. You get the support you need, and your baby gets the best chance at life with the people you chose, and a plan you created.
There’s No Rush — Adoption Can Happen Before or After Birth
If you’ve just given birth and are feeling overwhelmed, please know this: you still have options. And you still have time.
Many women believe that if they didn’t choose adoption during pregnancy, it’s “too late” once the baby is born. That’s not true.
With adoption:
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You can make an adoption plan after birth
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You’ll still have support, financial assistance, and control
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You can choose the adoptive family
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You can take a deep breath and make your decision without rushing
Even if your baby is hours, days or months old, it’s not too late to give them a safe, loving future through adoption.
You can find the right family for your child today.
How You Can Maintain Your Privacy Without Sacrificing Your Peace of Mind
Many women choose adoption specifically because it allows for total privacy while still protecting their baby’s future. At American Adoptions:
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Your name stays confidential if you choose a closed or semi-open adoption
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You can decide how much (or how little) contact you want
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You can choose to never meet the adoptive family, or form a bond if you prefer
Learn more about how we keep your adoption plan confidential.
FAQ About Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Colorado
What Makes Safe Haven Boxes Safe for Babies?
They include temperature control, ventilation, alarm systems for immediate retrieval, soft bassinet interior and automatic locks one closed.
Can You Get Your Baby Back After Safe Haven in Colorado?
In most cases, no. Safe haven surrender is permanent. If you change your mind, even hours later, you likely cannot reclaim custody. Through adoption, you have time to consider your decision before consenting to the adoption.
Can Safe Haven Babies Be Adopted?
Yes, but you won’t get to choose the family or receive updates. The baby becomes a ward of the state and is placed through public foster-to-adopt programs.
Is There a Safe Haven Baby Box Age Limit in Colorado?
Yes, your baby must be 72 hours old or younger to qualify under Colorado’s Safe Haven law.
What Does a Safe Haven Box Look Like?
These boxes are usually installed into the exterior walls of fire stations. From the outside, they resemble a metal drawer with a clear sign labeled “Safe Haven Baby Box.” Inside is a soft bassinet and an automatic lock system.
What You Do Next Matters—And We Can Help
We know this may be the hardest decision you’ve ever faced. But you don’t have to make it alone. You have the strength to choose what’s best for you and your baby and we’re here to support you with compassion, every step of the way.
Call 1-800-ADOPTION for immediate assistance or fill out our quick form.
Visit Our Colorado Offices
Denver
Denver, CO 80205
Colorado Springs
Colorado Spring, CO 80903
Aravada
Arvada, CO 80403
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.
