Safe Haven Laws in Georgia (And Why Adoption Could be a Better Alternative)

Safe Haven Baby Boxes provide a safe way to surrender a newborn, but they are not available in Georgia. If you need to surrender your baby today, you may feel uncertain, but you have options.

Whether you travel to a Safe Haven Baby Box in another state, surrender your baby at a designated facility in Georgia, or explore adoption, understanding these choices can help you make the best decision for your baby’s safety and future.

This guide outlines each option, how they work, and what steps you can take today to find the safest and most supportive solution.

What is a Safe Haven Baby Box?

A Safe Haven Baby Box is a secure, temperature-controlled drop-off location where a birth mother in crisis can legally and anonymously surrender her newborn. These boxes are installed at designated sites such as fire stations and hospitals, providing a safe alternative to abandoning a baby in an unsafe location. When a baby is placed in the box, medical professionals are immediately notified, and the child is transferred to child protective services for placement.

However, Georgia currently does not have any Safe Haven Baby Boxes. This means that if you are considering this option, you will need to explore alternative solutions that ensure the safety of your baby while giving you peace of mind.

If you are looking for an immediate solution, you have three primary options:

• Anonymously placing your baby for adoption through a same-day adoption agency, where they can be immediately matched with a loving family.
• Traveling to a Safe Haven Baby Box location in Tennessee, Alabama, or Florida.
• Surrendering your baby in person at a medical facility, fire department, or police station in Georgia.

Choosing Same-Day Adoption Through Our Agency

If you want to ensure your baby is placed directly with a loving, pre-approved adoptive family rather than entering the foster care system, our adoption agency offers same-day adoptions at four locations across Georgia. This option allows you to legally surrender your baby in a safe, supportive environment while also receiving essential resources to help ease your journey.

With same-day adoption, you receive financial, medical, and emotional support at no cost. Our team ensures you have full control over your decision, including choosing the adoptive family and deciding on future contact. This option provides immediate stability for your baby and peace of mind for you, knowing they will be placed with a loving family right away.

You can place your child for adoption at any of our Georgia offices, listed here:

• Atlanta Parkwood Office: 1000 Parkwood Circle E, Suite 900
• Atlanta Peachtree Office: 191 Peachtree St NE, Suite 14023
• Decatur Office: One W Ct Square, Suite 750
• Fayetteville Office: 320 W Lanier Ave, Suite 200

Our agency offers 24/7 support to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida

If you are considering using a Safe Haven Baby Box, the closest locations are in Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida. If you can travel to one of these states, you can legally and anonymously surrender your newborn at one of these designated boxes.

When a baby is placed in a Safe Haven Baby Box, an alert is triggered, and medical professionals respond immediately. The child is then placed under the care of child protective services and will eventually enter the foster care system.

Alabama:

• Dothan Fire Station #3: 1502 Whatley Drive, Dothan, AL, 36303
• Dothan Fire Station #1: 510 Columbia Hwy, Dothan, AL 36301
• Opelika Fire Department: 604 Ave B, Opelika, AL 36801
• Gadsden Fire Station #3: 300 Garden Street Gadsden, Alabama 35903

Tennessee:

• Chattanooga Station #6: 4510 Bonny Oaks Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37416
• Louden Fire Department: 100 Cedar St, Loudon, TN 37774
• Kingston Fire Station #1: 125 W Cumberland St, Kingston, TN 37763, USA
• Oak Ridge Fire Department Station 3: 333 Tuskegee Drive, Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Florida:

• Newberry Fire Station #28: 310 NW 250th St, Newberry, FL 32669
• Crestview Fire Station 1: 321 Woodruff Ave, Crestview, FL, 32536

Surrendering a Baby at a Medical Facility, Fire Department, or Police Station in Georgia

If traveling out of state is not an option, Georgia allows birth mothers to legally surrender their baby in person at a hospital, fire station, or police department.

Unlike using a Safe Haven Baby Box, this method requires face-to-face contact with a staff member. While this may feel overwhelming, it is important to know that you will not be judged, questioned, or required to provide personal information. The staff at these facilities are trained to handle Safe Haven surrenders with compassion and professionalism.

Once surrendered, your baby will be placed under the care of the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) and will enter the foster care system.

Why Adoption Offers More Choices than Anonymous Surrender

Safe Haven laws are designed to provide an immediate option for those in crisis, but they do not offer the long-term benefits that adoption provides.

When you choose adoption with our agency, you have more control, support, and resources throughout the process. With adoption, you can:

• Choose the adoptive family. Instead of your baby entering the foster care system, you can select a loving, pre-approved family who is ready to provide a stable home.
• Decide on the level of contact you want. Open adoption allows you to receive updates, photos, and even visits, depending on your comfort level.
• Receive financial and medical support. Our agency can assist with essential expenses such as rent, medical bills, and counseling, ensuring you have the resources you need.
• Ensure your baby is placed in a permanent, loving home. Unlike Safe Haven surrender, where a child enters the foster system, an adoption plan provides immediate placement with a family ready to care for them.

Making the Right Choice for You and Your Baby

Every situation is unique, and deciding to surrender a baby is an emotional and deeply personal decision. No matter what your circumstances are, you are not alone in this journey. Whether you need immediate assistance, emotional support, or simply more information, we are here for you.

We understand how difficult this decision can be, and we want to help you feel empowered by providing safe, compassionate, and judgment-free options that prioritize your well-being and the future of your baby.

Get Help Now

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy or have already given birth and are unsure of your next steps, we encourage you to reach out. You have options, and you deserve support.

Call Now for Immediate Support

Request Free Adoption Information

No matter what you decide, you deserve care, understanding, and the ability to make a choice that feels right for you and your baby. Let us help you find the best path forward.

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Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.