INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — The Independence Fire Department has announced that it is now providing a "Baby Safe Haven" at its Selig Road station. 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."
While the department does not have a "Baby Box" at the station, a parent only needs to follow a simple process to surrender its infant.
"On the sign on the door, it encourages parents to ring the doorbell," explained Independence Assistant Fire Chief Jim Wheeler. "One of our paramedics will come and ask for information, it's not required. From there, we'll take the baby."
The department says 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.
"I think it's an option for a parent who has a newborn child and just doesn't realize the overall work that's required in caring for that child. It's totally legal and it's a service that we provide," Wheeler added.
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.
