New Ohio law adds “baby box” language

http://wane.com/2017/01/10/new-ohio-law-adds-baby-box-language/

Governor Kasich has signed Senate Bill 332 which allows parents of children who are not older than 30 days to be delivered to a newborn safety incubator. The reason for signing this Bill is to ultimately lower Ohio's infant mortality rate. The idea for these "baby boxes" came from Safe Haven Baby Boxes, which is a non-profit organization in Indiana. This law that was recently signed in Ohio will have specific regulations created by the health department for the safety incubators. As of now, there are two "baby boxes" installed at fire stations in two different cities in Indiana. The main purpose for these "baby boxes" is that parents can be anonymous and feel safe about dropping off an unwanted child. Monica Kelsey, who is the founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, stated:“We’re excited that Ohio has allowed us to bring these boxes into Ohio. They’re doing the policies, protocols and procedures we wanted Indiana to do and we’re working directly with them." She also stated, “I’m hoping this educates all of us and that the policies, protocols and procedures that Ohio comes up with, maybe Indiana can adopt as well. This was never about putting boxes in buildings. It’s about saving abandoned babies.” 

However, there has been some controversy surrounding the idea of the "baby boxes." First being, that they are not covered by Safe Haven Law because it requires a person-to-person transfer of the child. Others are saying that having the boxes at a fire station with an emergency first responder takes care of that issue. Before this Bill was passed in Ohio, Monica Kelsey worked with the state to call the "baby boxes" "newborn safety incubators" instead. There is a challenge in determining what would be appropriate for these "baby boxes", considering child welfare laws vary from state to state. Currently in Indiana, they are being tested at the fire-stations. When a baby is dropped off, a dispatch alarm is sounded where a responder would immediately be directed to the "baby box." Ohio does have new sections written that pertain to this law so that appropriate regulations can be enforced. As of now, neither "baby box" has been used as they are still being tested for safety and performance. There are still standards waiting to be approved as well for the efficiency of the "baby boxes."

This story has struck me in a couple of different ways. The first being, that infant mortality is a serious issue in our state that needs to be resolved in some way. Seeing this is encouraging because there is some initiative being taken to reduce this rate. However, I personally feel hesitant to "jump on board" with the newborn safety incubators. The idea and heart behind it is good, but as a social worker and just a person in society, I feel concerned for the safety and well-being of the child. With that being said, it's not completely fair to judge the idea yet, because there is still much to be determined in how these incubators will function and what the protocols will be when someone actually uses it. 

I also see this story and think about the parent(s) that are dropping off babies for whatever reasons they might have. Yes, I want the children to take priority and I want them to be safe. However, I have concerns for the parents. Knowing what led up to this decision can be one more thing that can be used to eradicate the issue of infant mortality. I recognize the intention of anonymity, but as a social worker, I think it is important to address the root of this issue.

P.S. This is the link to Safe Haven Baby Boxes if anyone wants to look at it.

http://www.safehavenbabyboxes.com/home.html