City becomes first in Dallas County to provide a safe, anonymous surrender option for newborns
Rowlett, TX – July 2026 – The City of Rowlett has installed a Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station No. 1, becoming the first city in Dallas County to offer a safe, legal and anonymous option for parents surrendering a newborn in crisis.
The Safe Haven Baby Box provides parents facing desperate circumstances with a secure and confidential way to surrender their newborn under Texas Safe Haven laws. Installed in the exterior wall of the fire station, the temperature-controlled box is monitored 24 hours a day and immediately alerts emergency personnel when accessed, ensuring infants receive prompt care.
“Rowlett is a community that cares for its people at every stage of life,” said Mayor Jeff Winget. “The Safe Haven Baby Box provides parents facing unimaginable circumstances with a compassionate, anonymous and lawful option while ensuring every child can be protected and cared for. We want families in crisis to know they are not alone and that help is available.”
The Safe Haven Baby Box organization was founded by Monica Kelsey, a U.S. Navy veteran and former firefighter-paramedic who was herself abandoned as an infant. Parents seeking assistance may also call the Safe Haven Baby Box Confidential National Hotline at 1 (866) 99BABY1. The confidential hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing counseling, information and guidance on all safe surrender options permitted under Texas law, including face-to-face surrender.
The City of Rowlett’s Baby Box is located at Rowlett Fire Station #1, 3900 Miller Road. This project was made possible through the generosity of community partners, including Evander’s Construction, the Rowlett Firefighters Association and the Rowlett Police Officers Association.
For more information, visit www.RowlettTX.gov or contact the Department of Communications & Community Engagement at Media@RowlettTX.gov.
ABOUT THE CITY OF ROWLETT
Rowlett is a vibrant community of more than 70,000 residents located along the eastern shores of Lake Ray Hubbard, just 20 miles from downtown Dallas. Incorporated in 1952, Rowlett is home to award-winning public safety services, a nationally accredited parks and recreation program, and a growing commercial and residential base. The City is committed to transparent governance, exceptional service, and meaningful engagement with every resident. For more information, visit www.RowlettTX.gov.
Submitted by Malcolm Hornsby | Director of Communications & Community Engagement
