Yes, North Carolina has Safe Haven surrender option. However, if you are pregnant or have recently given birth, you do not have to choose an anonymous surrender to keep your baby safe. Adoption is still an option before or after birth, giving you the opportunity to receive support and choose the future you want for your child.

No matter what brought you here, you are not alone. American Adoptions can help you create a safe, compassionate adoption plan, whether you are still pregnant, at the hospital, or have already given birth, so you can move forward with guidance and support every step of the way.

Has Your Baby Been Born?

It is not too late to choose adoption. If your baby has already been born, American Adoptions can help you create an adoption plan right away and connect you with thoroughly screened adoptive families who are ready to welcome a baby today.

Whether you are still at the hospital or have already brought your baby home, our adoption specialists are available 24/7 to explain your options, answer your questions, and help you move forward with a safe, legal, and confidential adoption plan.

Safe Haven Laws in North Carolina

Under North Carolina's Safe Surrender Law (codified under Article 5A of G.S. Chapter 7B), a parent may legally and anonymously surrender a newborn who is 30 days old or younger to a designated safe person. The law protects parents from criminal prosecution for abandonment when the legal requirements for surrender are met.

North Carolina law specifies that a newborn must be surrendered directly to an authorized safe person. A legal Safe Haven surrender may be made to an on-duty:

• Health Care Provider: At a hospital, local or district health department, or nonprofit community health center.
• First Responder: Including a law enforcement officer, certified emergency medical services (EMS) worker, or firefighter.
• Social Services Worker: At a local county Department of Social Services (DSS).

Are There Safe Haven Baby Boxes in North Carolina?

Yes. North Carolina currently has two active Safe Haven Baby Box locations:

• Gates County Rescue & EMS Station #10 in Gatesville
• Ashe County Sheriff's Office in Jefferson

Although there are locations, the best and safest option is to place your baby directly into the care of an authorized designated safe person.

Handing your baby to a health care provider, first responder, or social services worker ensures immediate medical attention and support, and it gives you the chance to ask questions, receive guidance, and fully understand your options.

A Safe Haven Baby Box is Not Your Only Option

Safe Haven Baby Boxes are intended as a last-resort measure to prevent unsafe abandonment. While they provide a safe way to surrender an infant in an emergency, they do not offer the same opportunities as adoption.

By choosing adoption, you can receive emotional support, financial assistance that may be available under North Carolina law, help creating a personalized adoption plan, the ability to choose your baby's adoptive family, and the option to maintain contact through an open or semi-open adoption.

If you're unsure what to do, you don't have to make this decision on your own. American Adoptions is available 24/7 to provide free, confidential guidance and help you understand all of your options. Call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an adoption specialist today, fill out our online contact form.

What Happens After You Use a Safe Haven Baby Box?

After a baby is surrendered through a Safe Haven Baby Box or to a designated safe person, the infant is taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation and then placed in the temporary custody of the local Department of Social Services (DSS). From there, the child enters North Carolina's child welfare system while a permanent plan is determined.

A Safe Haven surrender is anonymous, which means you typically cannot choose your baby's adoptive family or receive updates about their future. If the child is adopted, the placement is made through the state's child welfare process rather than by you.

Adoption Can Give Your Baby Safety – and So Much More

While Safe Haven surrender keeps your baby physically safe, choosing private adoption through American Adoptions provides that same physical safety while offering you emotional guidance, financial assistance, and complete control over your child's future.

While surrendering a baby anonymously leaves you to cope with the physical and emotional aftermath of childbirth completely on your own, without medical recovery or counseling.

With American Adoptions, you are the one in charge of the journey, and you’ll get the personal care you deserve from your adoption specialist so that you feel safe during your journey. We walk beside you to ensure you have everything you need to heal and move forward.

With Adoption, You Don’t Have to Wonder What Happened to Your Baby

Choosing adoption means you never have to wonder where your baby is or how they are doing. When you work with us, you get to choose the perfect family for your child by looking through detailed profiles of waiting parents who share your values and hopes.

Through an open or semi-open adoption plan, you can decide exactly what kind of relationship you want to have with the family after placement, which can include:

• Receiving regular photos and letter updates as your child grows.
• Exchanging emails, text messages, or phone calls.
• Planning in-person visits to watch your child grow firsthand.
• You have control over every aspect of the adoption process, allowing you to find peace of mind and genuine closure.

Adoption Provides Support Before, During and After Birth

Choosing adoption through a licensed agency means you don't have to navigate your pregnancy alone. American Adoptions provides free services and ongoing support throughout your pregnancy and after placement, including:

• 24/7 Counseling: Speak with a compassionate adoption specialist whenever you need guidance, encouragement, or someone to listen.
• Financial Assistance: Depending on North Carolina law and your circumstances, financial assistance may be available to help cover pregnancy-related living expenses.
• Adoption Planning: Create a personalized adoption plan, including choosing the adoptive family and making your hospital and post-placement preferences.
• Legal Representation: Work with an experienced, independent adoption attorney at no cost to you.
• Post-Placement Support: Continue receiving emotional support and resources after placement, including guidance for open adoption if you choose ongoing contact.

Get Confidential Adoption Help in North Carolina Today

You do not have to rely on an anonymous Safe Haven surrender to keep your baby safe. Call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online contact form to speak with a licensed adoption specialist who can help you explore your options, create an adoption plan, and find the support you need at no cost and with no obligation.

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