If you're considering surrendering your baby under Texas' Safe Haven Law, also known as the Baby Moses 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.

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?

Texas' 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 Texas

Texas law permits the surrender of an unharmed infant who is 60 days old or younger to:

• Hospitals
• Fire stations
• Emergency medical services (EMS) stations
• Designated Safe Haven Baby Boxes

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 Family and Protective Services for adoption placement.

Are There Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Texas?

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

• Abilene
• Lubbock
• Wolfforth
• Corsicana
• Palestine
• The Woodlands

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 Texas, 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 Texas?

Once a baby is surrendered under the Safe Haven Law:

• Medical professionals will care for the baby
• Custody is transferred to the Department of Family and Protective 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 Texas

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 Texas?

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 Texas?

Yes. The baby must be 60 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 Texas Locations

American Adoptions serves women across Texas.

Abilene

2610 Gilmer Ave
Abilene, TX 79606
1-800-ADOPTION

Amarillo

19401 Saddlehorn Rd.
Amarillo, TX 79119
1-800-ADOPTION

Austin

900 Cavalier Ln.
Austin, TX 78757
1-800-ADOPTION

Brownsville

745 E St Charles St, Suite 10
Brownsville, TX 78520
1-800-ADOPTION

Corpus Christi

3765 S. Alameda, Suite 427
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
1-800-ADOPTION

Dallas/Fort Worth

700 N Carroll Ave, Suite 160
Southlake, TX 76092
817-722-5340

1751 River Run, Suite 200
Fort Worth, TX 76107
1-800-ADOPTION

1301 S Bowen Rd, Suite 102
Arlington, TX 76013
1-800-ADOPTION

100 N Travis St., Suite 204
Sherman, TX 75090
1-800-ADOPTION

702 Houston St, Ste 109
Fort Worth, TX 76102
1-800-ADOPTION

4500 Mercantile Plaza, Ste 300
Fort Worth, TX 76137
1-800-ADOPTION

295 E Renfro St Suite 300
Burleson, TX 76028
1-800-ADOPTION

Denton

414 W Parkway St, Suite 104
Denton, TX 76201
1-800-ADOPTION

El Paso

500 W Overland Suite 250-L3
El Paso, TX 79901
1-800-ADOPTION

Garland

13509 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Ste 200
Garland, TX 75041
1-800-ADOPTION

Houston

440 Louisiana St. Ste 900
Houston, TX 77002
1-800-ADOPTION

14150 Huffmeister Rd. Suite 200
Cypress, TX 77429
1-800-ADOPTION

25807 Westheimer Pkwy, Ste 311
Katy, TX 77494
1-800-ADOPTION

Irving

320 Decker Drive, Ste Ste 254
Irving, TX 75062
1-800-ADOPTION

League City

2600 South Shore Blvd, Ste 300
League City, TX 77573
1-800-ADOPTION

Lubbock

3223 S Loop 289, Ste 600
Lubbock, TX 79423
1-800-ADOPTION

Plano

101 E Park Blvd, Suite 600
Plano, TX 75074
1-800-ADOPTION

Richardson

2435 North Central Expressway, 12th Floor Ste 1204
Richardson, TX 75080
1-800-ADOPTION

San Antonio

2409 Maxwell Lane, Office #3
Deer Park, TX 77536
1-800-ADOPTION

700 N Mary's St Suite 1400
San Antonio, TX 78205
1-800-ADOPTION

Tyler

120 W 5th St. Suite 201
Tyler, TX 7501
1-800-ADOPTION

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.

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.