STATEHOUSE (Aug. 11, 2025) – The governor recently signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) to expand protections for infants who are surrendered by their biological parents.
Under current law, Hoosiers can surrender an infant anonymously without fear of arrest or prosecution to an emergency medical services provider, so long as there are no signs of intentional abuse on the baby. Safe Haven Baby Boxes help ensure the safe and anonymous surrender of infants and are often located outside of fire stations or hospitals. In 2023, the Indiana Department of Child Services reported that 17 Hoosier infants were surrendered through Safe Haven Baby Boxes, which offer a compassionate and secure option for parents in crisis who are unable to care for their newborns.
"Safe Haven Baby Boxes are an incredible lifesaving measure that protect our most vulnerable," said DeVon, chair of the House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee. "We need to continue to make sure we're doing everything we can to protect the lives of innocent Hoosiers including providing safe alternatives for struggling families who are unable to provide adequate care for a child."
With more than 10% of child fatalities occurring within the first two months of life, DeVon's legislation expands the age a baby may be considered a safe haven infant from 30 to 60 days. DeVon said extending this timeframe could help save more lives and lead to more infants being united with loving guardians. It also makes adoption more accessible to potential parents through broadening adoptive petition deadlines to apply to children who are 60 days old.
There are more than 100 Safe Haven Baby Boxes installed in Indiana and over 350 nationwide.
Women who are pregnant and in need of help can call or text the Safe Haven Crisis Hotline at 866-99BABY1 or visit shbb.org.
To learn more about House Enrolled Act 1099, click here.
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State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5,
which includes portions of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
