Right now, you may be feeling overwhelmed, scared, or totally alone — and we want you to know that there is help, right here in North Carolina. You don’t have to carry this alone. You have safe, legal, and loving options.

If you're considering placing your baby for adoption, you’re likely doing your best to protect your baby while trying to stay safe yourself. This guide is here to explain how these boxes work in our state — and to let you know why adoption might offer you more peace, more support, and more control.

What Is a Safe Haven Baby Box?

A Safe Haven Baby Box is a secure, climate-controlled drop-off device legally installed in the exterior walls of approved facilities — typically fire stations, hospitals, or EMS buildings. These boxes are part of Safe Haven Laws, created to allow anonymous, legal surrender of a newborn in crisis situations without fear of prosecution.

How Safe Haven Baby Boxes Work

• The parent or guardian opens the external door and places the baby inside the padded, temperature-regulated bassinet.
• Once the door is closed, it locks automatically to prevent unauthorized access.
• A silent internal alarm immediately alerts medical staff inside the building.
• Within minutes, trained professionals respond to retrieve the baby and begin care.

These boxes offer a last-resort option for parents in desperate situations who need a fully anonymous, judgment-free way to ensure their newborn’s safety. However, it’s important to know that baby boxes do not provide emotional support, legal guidance, or any future contact options — and parents give up the right to be involved in their child's life.

If you're looking for a way to protect your baby and stay involved, Find the Right Adoption Match with a licensed agency can give you that opportunity.

Safe Haven Baby Box or Adoption: Which Path Feels Right for You?

A Safe Haven Baby Box provides complete anonymity. But choosing adoption gives you both privacy and a voice.

When you use a baby box, you legally surrender your child with no ability to influence what happens next. You don’t know who will adopt your baby, where they will grow up, or whether they’ll be safe and loved in the way you’d hope.

With a private adoption, you remain involved — while still maintaining your privacy if needed. You can:

• Choose the adoptive family — individuals who share your values, lifestyle, and dreams for your child’s future. You’ll be able to view family profiles, talk with them, and decide who feels right.
• Receive financial assistance for pregnancy-related needs like medical bills, rent, groceries, transportation, and clothing — all so you can stay focused on your health and well-being.
• Access licensed, 24/7 counseling from professionals trained to support you through this emotional journey — before, during, and after placement.
• Control the level of contact — from regular photo updates and letters to occasional visits or full confidentiality. You decide what brings you peace.

Adoption protects your privacy but also empowers you with choices and support. It ensures your baby is placed in a loving home — one you select — and gives you emotional and practical care every step of the way. Learn how open, closed, and semi-open adoption differ.

North Carolina’s Safe Haven Law: What You Need to Know

In North Carolina, you are legally allowed to surrender a newborn who is 7 days old or younger at designated safe locations — including hospitals, EMS stations, fire departments, or Safe Haven Baby Boxes — with no questions asked.

As long as the baby is unharmed and placed safely in the care of staff or through an authorized baby box, you will not face criminal charges. The state’s Safe Haven Law is designed to protect both you and your baby, offering a legal and compassionate path during an incredibly overwhelming time.

You can read more on the North Carolina Safe Surrender website.

Where Can I Find a Safe Haven Baby Box in North Carolina?

Currently, North Carolina has a limited number of Safe Haven Baby Box locations:

Ashe County Sheriff's Office

140 Government Circle, Jefferson, NC 28640

+1 (336) 846-5633

Gates County Rescue & Ems Station #10

16 US-158, Gatesville, NC 27938, USA

+1 (252) 357-0388

If you live in western North Carolina or near the Tennessee border, you may want to consider nearby Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Eastern Tennessee. These additional locations may be easier to reach, depending on where you are:

 Unicoi County Ems Station #1

630 Oneega Drive Erwin TN, 37650

+1 (423) 735-3315

Carter County EMS

105 Iodent Way, Elizabethton, TN 37643

+1 (423) 543-5445

Morristown Fire Department Station #2

1801 Buffalo Trail, Morristown, TN, 37814

(No Phone Provided)

More Safe Haven Baby Boxes may become available over time in both North Carolina and Tennessee. To find the most current and nearest options, visit the Safe Haven Box Map. This tool allows you to search by your location and provides real-time updates on availability.

What Happens After a Safe Haven Surrender?

When you place your baby in a Safe Haven Baby Box or surrender them at a legal Safe Haven location in North Carolina:

• Emergency medical staff responds immediately to ensure your baby’s health and safety.
• Legal custody is transferred to the North Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS).
• Your baby will be placed in foster care through the state’s public child welfare system.

This process is designed to provide immediate protection for the baby. But it’s important to understand what this means for you:

• You give up the ability to choose who adopts your baby or what kind of family they grow up in.
• You won’t receive updates, photos, or contact about your child’s well-being or development.
• You will not receive emotional support or legal guidance through this process unless you seek it independently.

Safe Haven surrender offers anonymity, but it also ends your involvement. If you want to have a voice in your child’s future, private adoption with a licensed agency offers more — including emotional care, financial support, and the chance to choose the life your baby will have.

Why So Many Women in North Carolina Choose Adoption

Adoption isn’t about giving up. It’s about embracing your strength, your love, and your right to choose the life you want for your baby — and for yourself. It’s a deeply personal act of care that reflects just how much you want the very best for your child.

When you partner with our agency, you’re not just choosing a service — you’re joining a circle of compassionate professionals who genuinely care about your heart, your needs, and your future. Here's how we walk beside you:

To choose the adoptive family that reflects your hopes, values, and dreams for your baby’s future

• 24/7 emotional support and expert legal guidance, all at no cost to you
• Financial assistance for essentials like medical bills, groceries, rent, transportation, and more
• The chance to stay connected through open or semi-open adoption — if that’s something you want

You're not alone. We're here to walk with you.

Is It Too Late to Choose Adoption?

Not at all. It’s never too late to choose adoption — even if your baby is already here. Whether your child is a few hours, days, or even weeks old, you still have the opportunity to make a safe, supported, and loving plan for their future.

Adoption remains a fully available path. Here's what that can look like for you:

• Choose the adoptive family who feels right to you — someone who aligns with your values, honors your story, and offers the kind of love and life you hope for your baby. You deserve peace in your decision, knowing your child will be cherished and raised in a home that reflects the dreams you have for them.
• Access compassionate, judgment-free emotional support and counseling — whether you're ready to talk today or just need someone to listen when the time is right. Support is available 24/7, free of charge, with professionals who truly care.
• Receive financial assistance for essential needs — including medical expenses, rent, groceries, and transportation. This help is still available even if you’ve already given birth, because your well-being matters now just as much as ever.

There’s no expiration date on making a choice rooted in love. Adoption is still an option. And we're here when you're ready.

Can I Stay Private if I Choose Adoption?

Yes — adoption can be both private and empowering. Your privacy is protected, and your peace of mind is respected every step of the way.

With a closed or semi-open adoption, your personal information stays confidential. But unlike surrendering at a baby box, adoption still gives you the ability to make meaningful choices for your baby’s future — including the type of family and life you envision for them.

You can stay anonymous and still know your baby is safe, loved, and growing up in a home you helped choose. Whether you want regular photo updates, occasional letters, or no contact at all, your preferences shape the process. No one will pressure you. There’s no right or wrong way — just the one that feels right for you.

This is your story — and your strength. We’re here to honor it and support you, however you choose to move forward.

Questions You Might Have

Are Safe Haven Baby Boxes Safe?

Yes, absolutely. Safe Haven Baby Boxes are thoughtfully designed to ensure your baby’s well-being:

• They’re climate-controlled and ventilated to keep your baby comfortable.
• The door locks automatically once it’s closed, keeping your baby secure.
• Trained staff are immediately notified so your baby is never left unattended.
• They are connected to 911 emergency services, ensuring quick and professional medical care right away.

Can I Get My Baby Back?

In most cases, no. Once your baby is legally surrendered under North Carolina's safe haven law, your parental rights are considered waived, and custody is permanently transferred to the state. The process moves quickly to protect the baby, and there is rarely a chance to change your mind. That’s why it’s important to understand your options fully before making this choice — especially if staying involved in your baby’s future matters to you.

Will My Baby Be Adopted?

Yes, but it will go through the state foster care system, which means you won’t be part of the adoption planning process. You won’t get to choose who adopts your baby or receive any updates about their life. It’s a system built to protect the baby, but it removes your voice from the outcome — something many women find difficult afterward.

How Old Can My Baby Be?

In North Carolina, a baby can be legally surrendered if they are 7 days old or younger. This time frame is meant to provide a safe, short window during those first few overwhelming days after birth — giving you a protected, judgment-free way to ensure your baby is cared for.

What Does a Baby Box Look Like?

It’s a clearly marked door built into the outside wall of a trusted place like a fire station or hospital. When opened, it reveals a soft, secure bassinet where you can gently place your baby. As soon as the door closes, staff inside are automatically alerted to respond right away and care for your child.

What You Do Next Matters — And You Don’t Have to Face It Alone

This may be one of the most difficult and emotional decisions you’ve ever faced. Whether you’re still pregnant or your baby is already here, please know you are not alone. There is help, there is hope — and there are compassionate people right here in North Carolina who want to support you.

Whatever you’re feeling, whatever questions you have, we are here to listen and help you explore your options. Adoption doesn’t have to mean disappearing — it can mean staying connected, supported, and empowered.

Hear stories from women who chose open adoption.

Our North Carolina Offices — Here When You’re Ready

You can call or visit anytime. We’re here 24/7 to answer your questions — or just to listen.

Charlotte Office

128 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

+1 (800) ADOPTION

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.