The recent abandonment of a newborn found in a dumpster in Austin has sparked renewed discussions about Texas’ Safe Haven law, underscoring the need for increased community awareness regarding safe options for surrendering infants.
On September 20, a baby was discovered abandoned in a North Lamar Boulevard dumpster, but fortunately, the infant is now safe in the care of medical professionals and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
At a recent news conference, Detective Russell Constable from the Austin Police Department’s child abuse unit expressed his concern about the incident while emphasizing that there are legal avenues for parents to safely surrender their newborns.
“While this case is heartbreaking, it highlights the importance of community awareness and swift responses to children in need of aid,” said Constable.
Since Texas enacted the Safe Haven law in 1999, inspired by a series of infant abandonments in the Houston area, many parents have utilized it. In the last three years alone, 82 children have been surrendered statewide under this law, with seven of those occurrences in the Austin region.
The Safe Haven law allows parents to surrender infants aged 60 days or younger at designated locations, including hospitals, emergency rooms, fire departments, and EMS stations.
Parents surrendering a baby are not required to disclose their identities; however, they may be requested to provide medical history for the child.
Another innovative approach within the framework of this law is the Safe Haven Baby Box, designed to offer a discreet yet safe option for parents reluctant to engage with staff directly. These boxes are equipped with alarms and automatically notify emergency services once an infant is placed inside.
Currently, the Austin area lacks these baby boxes, although the city of Lakeway has taken steps to fund one at a local fire station, with plans still in progress for its installation.
Monica Kelsey, CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, pointed to the recent abandonment case in Austin as a clear indicator of the urgent need for increased awareness of the Safe Haven law.
She indicated that her organization has been active in running educational campaigns nationwide and is now striving to extend its reach to the Austin community.
“We haven’t been working in that part of the state,” Kelsey mentioned, stressing that they are working to bring awareness of the option to safely surrender children.
Heather Burner, executive director of the National Safe Haven Alliance, also highlighted the potential for classroom education to raise awareness about the Safe Haven law. She noted that the organization’s helpline receives inquiries not only from young adults but also from women of varied ages, some unaware of their pregnancies until late stages.
“I can’t even tell you how many calls we’ve had like that. They did not know they were pregnant, and now they’re seven months along,” Burner stated, illustrating the importance of public education about safe options available for new parents.
The helpline also assists callers by informing them about adoption plans and temporary placements for their children. They have provided support to women facing trauma or danger, including those who may be victims of sex trafficking.
Burner emphasized an important message for individuals in distress: “You’re not alone. We really want that to be the most important message that someone receives, that you don’t have to do this alone. There is someone there that can answer that call and walk alongside you.”
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