CLEVELAND — Earlier this week, 3News reported that a 'Baby Safe Haven' is now up and running at the Independence Fire Department.
Under Ohio’s "Safe Haven Law," a mother in crisis is legally permitted to "safely, securely, and anonymously surrender their newborn (under 30 days old) if they are unable to care for him or her."
We reached out to the Cleveland Division of Fire and found out that all of the fire stations in the city are considered safe havens for unwanted newborns. The division says it has had that policy in place for 20 years.
However, the city will soon see its first "Safe Haven Baby Box."
"A door accessible from the outside where you can place the child inside. Upon opening the door, there's a notification to our fire dispatch and that lets us respond down there and do what we need to do for that baby," explains Cleveland Division of Fire Lt. Michael Norman.
Norman says the baby box will be installed at the Cleveland Division of Fire's Station No. 26, located at 7818 Kinsman.
If the newborn needs medical attention, it will be provided. The professional staff person who accepts the newborn will contact the county children services agency and the newborn will be placed in an adoptive home.
Should either parent change their mind and want to get their newborn back, that parent will need to go to the local public children services agency in the county where the newborn was left. The parent will be asked to complete a DNA test to prove maternity or paternity, which may be a cost to the parent.
