Special to The Dallas Examiner
LUBBOCK – For the first time in Texas history, a newborn was safely and legally surrendered in a Safe Haven Baby Box – marking a momentous moment of protection, compassion and hope.
“I don’t know your situation or pain, but I do know that in your darkest moment, you had and courage and love for your baby to give him an opportunity at life,” Lubbock Fire and Rescue Chief Richard Lewis said during a press conference Monday.
The infant was placed anonymously into the temperature‑controlled Baby Box at Lubbock Fire Station No. 9, where firefighters immediately responded. The baby is now on track for placement in a loving, permanent adoptive home.
“This mother’s decision was selfless – an act of pure love,” said Monica Kelsey, founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes. “She chose life. She chose safety. She chose hope.”
Installed in July 2024, the Lubbock Baby Box was built to give mothers in crisis a safe, anonymous, judgment‑free option when they feel they have none. It is one of 14 baby boxes in Texas, the first state to pass a Safe Haven law – the Baby Moses Law – in 1999.
This life‑saving event connects Texas to a growing national network of more than 400 Safe Haven Baby Boxes across 23 states. Each box is equipped with 24/7 monitoring and a silent alarm system that alerts first responders the moment a baby is placed inside. In Lubbock, that system worked exactly as designed – proving the power of preparedness, community support and modern safety technology.
Since 2017, the baby boxes have facilitated 72 safe surrenders and over 180 additional in‑person handoffs.
The infant was taken the hospital to be examined and treated. He is now in the care of Child Protective Services. It may take up to 30 to find a forever home for most infants. They are generally formally adopted within six months.
“This first Texas Baby Box surrender is more than a statistic – it is a legacy that will echo for generations,” agency officials noted. “To the mother: You are seen. You are brave. You are loved. To the child: You are safe. You are cherished. You are loved. To communities everywhere: This is what hope looks like.”
To learn more or support the mission of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, visit https://www.shbb.org or call the 24/7 Safe Haven Baby Boxes Emergency Hotline at 1‑866‑99BABY1.