Tennessee newborn left in 'Safe Haven' box to be adopted

A Tennessee newborn who was left in a Safe Harbor Baby Box developed by the state is in the process of being adopted.

The infant boy was placed in the box around 30 minutes after he was born on May 27, authorities said.

“It’s not that [the baby’s biological parents] don’t love their child,” Baby Box founder Monica Kelsey said.

“They’re just in a crisis that you and I may never understand,” she said. “For this parent to utilize this box, 99 days after this box went into service, I think speaks volumes about the box being in the right place at the right time and Knoxville definitely needing this last resort option.”

Ten babies have been surrendered to boxes around the country so far this year, compared to 12 during all of last year.

Kelsey said there were more boxes available this year than last year, which could account for the increase.