Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is preparing to open a new Safe Haven Baby Box at its main fire station, providing parents in crisis with a safe and anonymous way to surrender newborns. The project has been in development for several years and is now ready to serve the community. City officials and firefighters say the box is designed to protect both infants and parents in desperate situations. Supporters describe the effort as a life-saving measure for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

The Safe Haven Baby Box will be officially activated with a blessing on Friday, March 13. The ceremony is set for 2 p.m. at Foley Fire Station No. 1, where the box will be installed. Officials anticipate the attendance of firefighters, city officials, and community members.

The box provides a secure, climate-controlled compartment where a parent can privately surrender an infant. When the door is closed, an alarm alerts firefighters inside the station that a baby has been surrendered. Staff can respond quickly and begin providing care while following established procedures.

Also See: City of Foley Firefighters Praised for High Performance 

Fire Chief Joey Darby said the program can save the lives of both children and parents who feel they have nowhere else to turn. “I would hope that this box will never be needed,” Darby said. “Other boxes, however, have been used almost as soon as they opened. There is a need out there, and this box could meet that need. This could save a baby's life. It could also save the life of a parent faced with a seemingly impossible situation.”

Under the program, mothers can surrender babies up to 45 days old without question. Parents who use the baby box face no legal consequences as long as the infant is unharmed and within the age limit. The goal is to provide a safe alternative to unsafe abandonments that could endanger both the baby and the parent.

After a baby is placed in the box, the infant is taken to a local hospital for evaluation. Medical staff check the child’s condition and provide any necessary treatment. Then, the Alabama Department of Human Resources begins the process of placing the child for adoption. Officials say this system gives the baby a chance at a stable home while protecting the parents’ anonymity.

Darby said the Foley Fire Department and city officials have been working for several years to complete the project. “It’s something that we’re passionate about,” Darby said. “We want to see this happen. It’s a very long, detailed process, but we finally got the project put together.” He said the effort reflects the department’s commitment to public safety and community service.

The Foley City Council approved a lease agreement with Safe Haven Baby Boxes in April, paving the way for installation. The company specializes in designing and maintaining these boxes, which are used across communities nationwide. City leaders viewed the program as another way to protect children and assist families in need.

State Rep. Donna Givens of Loxley sponsored a bill in the Alabama Legislature in 2023 to allow baby boxes in fire stations. The legislation gave cities like Foley the authority to install the devices at staffed locations. Supporters said the law was needed to modernize the state’s safe haven protections and align with similar efforts in other states.

Companies and churches have also contributed to the Foley project by donating services and funds to cover much of the cost. Community support helped turn the idea into reality at the main fire station. Local officials say that this collective effort demonstrates how seriously residents prioritize the safety of children and families.