by Information on Arkansas Safe Haven Baby Box cases comes from news reports, SHBB Inc reports on social mediaand other public record sources. Invaribily these reports claim the babies were healthly and well-cared for; in no danger of dangerous discard or death
1. Benton Fire Station #3
Date: May 24, 2020
Baby Information: Boy, now known publicly as Baby Ollie.
Details: None
Selected Sources:
- Newborn surrendered at Benton fire station now with Department of Family Services, KATV-TV, March 29, 2020
- Two years after first baby box installed, infant surrendered, Arkansas Catholic, September 26, 2021
2. Maumelle Fire Station #1
Date: October 25, 2021
Baby Information: Boy
Details: Baby was probably 2 days old, healthy, and well-cared for. SHBB Inc says it had no contact with parent(s) before drop-off; calls mother “brave” and courageous.”
Selected Sources:
- Newborn Saved Via Safe Haven Baby Box in Maumelle, Family Council, November 2, 2021
- SHBB INc press conference, Mamuelle Fire Station #1, SHBB Inc, Facebook
3. Conway Central Fire Station
Date: February 7-10, 2022
Baby Information: Boy
Details: SHBB Inc describes baby as well-cared for, healthy, and loved. Required no medical attention
Selected Sources:
- First baby surrendered at Conway’s Safe Haven Baby Box Conway Log Cabin Democrat, February 12, 2022
Date: May 9, 2023
Baby Information: Boy
4. Benton Fire Station #3
Details: Baby left in box on Tuesday night. Taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for check-up. Monica Kelsey claims that mother left note with baby. Fire chief reports that baby was well-cared for and loved. There was an infant surrendered into our Safe Haven Baby Box Tuesday night. The baby was healthy and well cared for, obviously loved,” Chief Evans said. “It is my understanding the mother traveled from out of state to surrender her baby as her state does not offer this anonymous and safe option. To the mother, thank you for your decision and for allowing the Benton Fire Department to be a part of your journey. Please know your child is healthy and stunningly handsome. God Bless You.
“According to Matt Thibault, the marketing and events coordinator for the city of Benton, the mother traveled from another state to reach the safe haven box. “She obviously had to do research to come that far, so it wasn’t some hasty decision that she made. I think that’s admirable of her. We know that the mom and baby are healthy, and that’s all we need to know.” The mother was in contact with NSSHB Inc. (Taken from Benton Courier, May 23, 2023)
Selected Sources:
- Mother surrenders infant less than 24 hours old to Safe Haven Baby Box, KATV-TV, May 11, 2023
- Safe Haven baby boxes allow safe surrender of infants, Benton Courier, May 23, 2023
5 Benton Fire Station #3
Date: May 30. 2023
Baby Information: Unknown
Details: Left in box at 5:23 PM. Taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for evaluation; described as healthy.
Selected Sources:
- Third baby surrendered to Benton Fire Department, Benton Courier, June 1, 2023
Cases
- 2020: 1
- 2021: 1
- 2022: 1
- 2023: 2
Updated: July 19, 2023
