The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration announced on Friday that $250,000 will soon be available for organizations to install more Safe Haven Baby Boxes. These boxes provide a safe place for parents to leave babies they are unable to care for.
Under Arkansas law, a child 30 days old or younger can be safely surrendered to law enforcement agencies, fire departments, medical providers, or left in a designated safety device. The Safe Haven Baby Box Grant will help cover the $15,000 installation cost and the $500 annual maintenance fee for these devices.
“This grant program will provide resources and give struggling new moms safe options that help build a culture of life in Arkansas,” said Governor Sarah Sanders.
Eligible organizations for the funding include law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and hospitals with an emergency room. Arkansas currently has 25 baby box locations, including the Magnolia Fire Department and the Sevier County Medical Center in De Queen. Since 2017, approximately 44 babies have been safely surrendered through these boxes.
Applications for the grant will open in September, with no set deadline for submissions.
