Lutheran Family and Children’s Services remind community of adoption options following recent Safe Haven baby surrender

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

ST. LOUIS, Mo., (KBSI) — Following the recent safe and legal surrender of a newborn in a Missouri Safe Haven Baby Box, Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) is reminding the public that confidential help and resources are available for expectant and new parents long before they reach a crisis point.

This marks the third Safe Haven surrender in Missouri since the 2022 law expanded the state’s Safe Haven provisions to include the use of newborn safety devices.

A Safe Haven Baby Box is a secure, climate-controlled device that allows parents to surrender infants anonymously. While these boxes provide a vital, last-resort option, LFCS emphasizes that it offers a wide range of free, confidential services to help parents find support, stability, and options during pregnancy and early parenthood.

“The safe surrender of another baby in Missouri is a powerful reminder of the overwhelming situations some parents face when they feel they have nowhere to turn,” said Melani Engel, Director of Adoption Services for LFCS. “We want parents to know they are never alone. We provide free, confidential counseling and resources to help them explore all options and make the best plan for themselves and their baby.”

LFCS provides comprehensive adoption and parenting support services, including:

Unbiased Options Counseling – Trained counselors guide parents through decisions about parenting or adoption without pressure or judgment.

Personalized Planning – LFCS helps expectant parents select adoptive families, decide on openness levels, and create birth and hospital plans. For those choosing to parent, LFCS connects families to essential resources and education.

Lifelong Support – Free post-placement services help birth parents process their emotions and heal, reflecting LFCS’s ongoing commitment to their well-being.

“We want every parent in Missouri to know they have choices and compassionate professionals who will stand beside them,” Engel said. “Our mission is to provide a safe space for parents to explore possibilities and make decisions that honor their needs and hopes for their child’s future.”

For more information about Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, including adoption and pregnancy support, visit lfcsmo.org, call 866-326-LFCS, or email help@lfcs.org.

LFCS is a statewide nonprofit social services agency headquartered in St. Louis, with regional offices in Columbia, Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Joplin, and Kansas City. The organization serves families from all walks of life through programs in adoption, behavioral health, parenting education, pregnancy support, foster care, and childcare. Services are open to all individuals regardless of race, faith, national origin, or gender.