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Wisconsin Records First Safe Haven Baby Box Surrender in Racine

A sensor-equipped, temperature-controlled box at a Racine fire station alerted crews who quickly secured care for a healthy newborn now under child protective services.

Overview

  • The City of Racine and the Racine Fire Department say a newborn was surrendered at Fire Station 4’s Safe Haven Baby Box on October 16, 2025, at 12:13 p.m.
  • The infant was found in good health, was taken to a hospital for evaluation, and is now in child protective services custody as adoptive placement begins.
  • Wisconsin’s 2023 update to the Safe Haven law permits anonymous surrender within 72 hours of birth at designated sites and authorizes the use of baby boxes.
  • The Racine device features climate control and laser detection with a 60‑second delay before an internal alarm notifies firefighters to retrieve the baby.
  • Racine’s box was installed on December 10, 2024; TMJ4 reports six boxes operate in Wisconsin and both outlets note more than 300 locations nationwide, with a crisis hotline at 1-866-992-2291.