Ceremony to mark opening of Perry County Joint Justice Center; Safe Haven Baby Box

PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — A Safe Haven Baby Box has been installed at the Perry County Joint Justice Center, providing an anonymous surrender option for parents in crisis.

Located at 400 W. St. Joseph St., the baby box is one of eight in Missouri and 366 nationwide.

Since 2017, 63 infants have been safely surrendered in baby boxes, with the National Safe Haven Crisis Line assisting over 153 handoff surrenders.

A ceremony marking the opening of the Safe Haven Baby Box will be held Monday, Aug. 18, at 2:30 p.m. at the Perry County Joint Justice Center.

From The Perry County Government Office –

“Perryville, MO, August 18, 2025 – Saving lives just got a little easier in Perryville, MO, as our
newest baby box will be blessed on August 18th. The newest addition represents a significant
step forward in our mission to provide a safe and anonymous alternative to surrendering an
infant. Located at 400 W. St. Joseph St., Perryville, MO, our new location will offer a secure and
compassionate option for parents in crisis and help ensure every infant has a chance for a safe
and loving future. Across the country, there are 366 Safe Haven Baby Box locations, with 8 in
the State.

The Safe Haven Baby Box in Perryville, MO, would not have been possible without the local
advocates, Community Leadership, Local Law Enforcement, and First Responders for working
tirelessly to bring this resource to their community.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes was founded by Monica Kelsey on a mission to end infant
abandonment. In addition to baby boxes, the organization provides a confidential National
Hotline, 1-866-99BABY1. Twenty-three states have a Baby Box presence within their state.

Kelsey shared, “We have seen time and time again that preparation can save and change lives.
We never know when or where we will be needed, so it is crucial to have options for mothers in
crisis. I am grateful for local advocates who take our mission to their community.”

Since 2017, 63 infants have been safely and legally surrendered in a Baby Box. The National
Safe Haven Crisis Line has assisted with over 153 handoff surrenders. Each year, the numbers
increase with more baby boxes available across the country.

Surrendered infants are adopted by families who have registered as foster-to-adopt.

The Local Department of Family Services coordinates the adoption process.”