Knox County, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Tennessee is expanding access to safe haven baby boxes, allowing them to be installed at ambulance stations in addition to fire stations.
The change comes as part of a new state law aimed at giving parents in crisis more options to safely surrender newborns without facing legal consequences.
The Knoxville Fire Department has used the boxes for several years and reports that two babies have been safely surrendered through the program. Officials say both infants were only a few days old and were quickly taken to a hospital, placed into foster care and later adopted.
Supporters, including state lawmakers, say the expansion is designed to prevent unsafe abandonments and provide a safe alternative for parents facing difficult situations.
Safe haven baby boxes allow individuals to anonymously surrender a newborn, ensuring the child is immediately cared for by first responders.
The Knoxville Fire Department plans to install another baby box at Station 6 in East Knoxville. There are currently 16 boxes across East and Upper East Tennessee, with more than 400 nationwide.
