If you're considering surrendering your baby under Tennessee's Safe Haven Law, it's important to understand your options. This law provides a legal and confidential way to ensure your baby's safety, but it's not the only path available.

Keep in mind, adoption through a licensed agency offers more than just a safe place for your baby. It provides you with support, guidance, and the ability to be involved in your child's future.

How Do Safe Haven Baby Boxes Work?

Safe Haven Baby Boxes are secure, climate-controlled devices installed at designated locations like fire stations and hospitals. They allow parents to anonymously surrender their newborns safely. When a baby is placed inside, an alarm alerts staff to retrieve and care for the infant immediately.

Here is how it works:

While these boxes offer anonymity, they don't provide the opportunity to choose what happens next for your baby. If you wish to have a say in your child's future, adoption might be a more suitable option.

Safe Haven Boxes vs. Adoption: What’s the Difference?

Tennessee's Safe Haven Law ensures immediate safety for your baby but ends your involvement in their life. Adoption, on the other hand, allows you to be part of the decision-making process and maintain a connection if you choose.

Here’s how the two options compare:

With Safe Haven surrender, your role concludes once you leave your baby. Adoption offers ongoing support and involvement, tailored to your comfort level.

Understanding Safe Haven Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee law permits the surrender of an unharmed infant who is 14 days old or younger to:

• Hospitals
• Birthing centers
• Community health clinics
• Outpatient walk-in clinics
• EMS facilities
• 24-hour fire stations
• 24-hour law enforcement facilities

You are not required to provide your name, and you will not face legal consequences as long as the child has not been harmed.

The receiving staff will ensure your baby gets medical care and is transferred to the Department of Children's Services for adoption placement.

Are There Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Tennessee?

Yes, Tennessee has implemented Safe Haven Baby Boxes in several locations, including:

• Knoxville
• Hendersonville
• Jackson
• Oak Ridge
• Chattanooga
• These boxes are installed at designated fire stations and hospitals, providing a secure and anonymous way to surrender a newborn.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes Near Me

To find a Safe Haven Baby Box near you in Tennessee, you can visit the official Safe Haven Baby Boxes map. This resource provides up-to-date information on all operational boxes across the state.

If you're seeking both privacy and the ability to be involved in your baby's future, adoption offers a compassionate alternative.

What Happens After You Use a Safe Haven Location in Tennessee?

Once a baby is surrendered under the Safe Haven Law:

• Medical professionals will care for the baby
• Custody is transferred to the Department of Children's Services
• The baby may be placed in temporary foster care
• Parental rights are permanently terminated
• You will not receive updates or have input on the child’s adoption

This process ensures immediate safety but does not allow you to participate in your baby’s future.

How Adoption Can Provide a Brighter Future — for Both of You

Adoption is a legal, supported process that allows you to make a plan — not just a one-time decision. You’ll have the help of a licensed adoption specialist to guide you through every step.

When you choose adoption with American Adoptions, you receive:

You don’t have to give up your privacy to receive support. You can choose what level of contact you want with the adoptive family and how much of the process you want to be involved in.

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

If your baby has already been born, that’s okay. It’s never too late to make an adoption plan.

Many women choose adoption from the hospital, or even after bringing their baby home. You can still receive financial assistance and select the adoptive family that feels right to you.

You Can Stay Private — and Still Be Involved

If staying anonymous is important to you, you can choose a closed or semi-open adoption. This lets you protect your identity while still receiving letters, pictures, or updates about your child — if that’s what you want.

You decide how much contact to have and when. You can also change your mind later as your comfort level evolves.

FAQ About Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Tennessee

What Makes Safe Haven Baby Boxes Safe for Babies?

These boxes are designed to:

• Maintain a safe interior temperature
• Allow for quick access by on-site staff
• Lock automatically once closed
• Trigger silent alarms so emergency help arrives immediately

Can You Get Your Baby Back After Safe Haven in Tennessee?

No. Once you legally surrender your baby under the Safe Haven Law, your parental rights are permanently terminated and cannot be reinstated.

Can Safe Haven Babies Be Adopted?

Yes. Babies surrendered under the Safe Haven Law are placed for adoption by the state. However, the birth parent does not choose the adoptive family or receive updates.

Is There a Safe Haven Baby Box Age Limit in Tennessee?

Yes. The baby must be 14 days old or younger to qualify under the Safe Haven Law.

What Does a Safe Haven Baby Box Look Like?

These boxes are small compartments built into the exterior wall of fire stations or hospitals. They include a bassinet-style bed, climate control, and an alarm system that alerts staff to retrieve the baby quickly.

What You Do Next Matters — And We’re Here to Help

No matter what you're feeling or where you are in your journey, we're here to support you. Whether you're considering a Safe Haven option or exploring adoption, you deserve to make an informed and confident decision.

Our Tennessee Locations

American Adoptions serves women across Tennessee. You can speak with a specialist anytime to learn more about your options and get the help you need — completely free and confidential.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our contact form to get started.

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