Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy and feeling overwhelmed, scared and alone? Many women have stood where you are now, wanting something better for their babies.

If you’re wondering where you can take your baby if you can’t raise them, you have options. In this guide, we’ll explain what a Safe Haven box is and how it works. We’ll also show you why adoption might be a better choice.

If you need immediate assistance or someone to talk to, you can call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online form.

What Is a Safe Haven Baby Box, and How Does It Work?

Safe Haven baby boxes are designed for anonymous infant surrender. They’re usually located at hospitals, fire stations or police stations. When you place a baby in the box, it locks automatically and sends an alarm to on-site staff to retrieve the child immediately.

It's important to note that Rhode Island has no Safe Haven baby boxes. If you live here, you’ll need to hand your baby directly to a staff member at a designated location. Surrendering your baby is still anonymous and available 24/7.

Safe Haven Boxes vs. Adoption: What’s Right for You?

If you’re looking to legally give up a baby anonymously, you can do that under Safe Haven law. But adoption offers choices and support in addition to privacy.

When you choose adoption through a licensed agency like American Adoptions, you:

• Get to choose the adoptive family

• Can receive financial support for medical and living expenses

• Have access to free counseling

• Can stay connected through open or semi-open adoption

Here's how the two options compare:

Adoption puts you in control. You’re not just walking away — you’re giving your baby the best start in life.

Understanding Safe Haven Laws in Rhode Island: What You Should Know

Every state has a Safe Haven law, and Rhode Island is no exception. Here’s what you need to know:

• You can legally leave a child who is 30 days old or younger.

• You must leave them at a hospital, a medical emergency facility, a fire station or a police station.

• You don’t have to provide your name or any information. If you do, it will be kept confidential.

• You’ll be immune from prosecution for abandonment.

Once you surrender your baby, you relinquish parental rights. You won't know who adopts them or how they're doing later in life.

Are There Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Rhode Island?

No. Rhode Island does not currently have Safe Haven baby boxes installed. But there are still Safe Haven locations where you can legally surrender a baby.

Safe Haven Baby Box Locations Near Me

Here are a few designated Safe Haven facilities in Rhode Island:

• Providence: Rhode Island Hospital

• Cranston: Cranston Fire Department Station 1

• Warwick: Warwick Police Department

• Pawtucket: Pawtucket Police Department

• East Providence: East Providence Fire Department

You can explore Safe Haven baby box locations nationwide.

What Happens After You Use a Baby Box or Safe Haven Location in Rhode Island?

After surrendering your baby, they enter the custody of the Department for Children, Youth and Families. From there:

• Your parental rights are terminated.

• Your child may enter foster care.

• The state will attempt to place them in a permanent home.

• You won’t be able to receive updates or have a say in who adopts them.

How Adoption Can Provide a Brighter Future for You and Your Baby

Many women who ask whether adoption is better than Safe Haven are relieved to learn that adoption has benefits for everyone involved. Choosing adoption isn’t giving up — it’s giving more.

With adoption, you create a better future for your baby and for yourself. You’re part of the decision every step of the way, and you can stay connected if you choose.

There’s No Rush — Adoption Can Happen Before or After Birth

If you’ve already given birth, you can still choose adoption. You don’t need to rush into any decision. You’ll still receive financial assistance, and you can still choose the family who will raise your child.

You’re in control of the process. If you're ready, you can view waiting families now.

How You Can Maintain Your Privacy Without Sacrificing Your Peace of Mind

Private adoption keeps your information confidential. You get to decide how much contact you want. You can have

• An open adoption, where you maintain direct contact with your baby and their adoptive family

• A semi-open adoption, where contact is facilitated by your adoption agency

• A closed adoption, where no identifying information is shared

You can stay connected to your child based on what feels right to you. We work with you to make sure your preferences are respected and your privacy is protected.

FAQ About Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Rhode Island

What Makes Safe Haven Boxes Safe for Babies?

They’re built for safety: temperature-controlled, ventilated and equipped with alarms that alert staff immediately. Once the baby is placed inside, the door locks from the outside.

Can You Get Your Baby Back After Safe Haven in Rhode Island?

Yes. You must petition the Rhode Island Family Court before your rights are terminated, which is usually within 90 days of surrender.

Can Safe Haven Babies Be Adopted?

Yes. After being surrendered, babies may be adopted through the state. But you won’t be able to choose the family or receive updates.

Is There a Safe Haven Baby Box Age Limit in Rhode Island?

Yes. Only babies 30 days old or younger can be legally surrendered.

What Does a Safe Haven Box Look Like?

Safe Haven baby boxes are usually built into an exterior wall and feature a labeled drop-off door with a protected bassinet inside.

What You Do Next Matters [And We Can Help]

No matter where you are right now, you have the power to give your baby a beautiful life.

You don’t have to do this alone — we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

Contact us now or call 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.