By Jesse Jones
The Albuquerque Police Department is currently investigating the death of a baby found in a dumpster in Northwest Albuquerque.
Police say officers responded to a 911 call at 3:45 a.m. on April 22. A security guard told police the baby was found by people in the area.
According to APD, the baby was found wrapped in a blanket in a dumpster at 901 Rio Grande Blvd. NW.
APD’s Crimes Against Children Unit is now investigating the death, which is a stark reminder of the need for safe alternatives for parents in crisis. This incident coincides with ongoing initiatives to install and promote Safe Haven Baby Boxes, which provide a secure and anonymous way for parents to surrender newborns.
In Bernalillo, the Fire Department recently raised over $7,000 for a Safe Haven Baby Box project. This funding, combined with other donations and a state grant, will help cover the $24,000 cost of installing a baby box at the Bernalillo Fire Station. Officials expect the box to be operational by late June.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes is a non-profit organization founded by Monica Kelsey, who was herself abandoned as an infant. The boxes are designed to allow parents to discreetly and safely surrender their infants. When a baby is placed in the box, a silent alarm notifies first responders, and resources are provided for the parent.
New Mexico’s Safe Haven for Infants Act protects parents from criminal charges if they surrender a child up to 90 days old at a designated Safe Haven site, which includes hospitals, law enforcement agencies and fire stations. The Child, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) is involved in investigations and determining if the infant is of Native American background.
Several New Mexico communities, including Española, Hobbs, Belen, Alamogordo, Roswell, Carlsbad and Edgewood, have already installed or are in the process of installing Safe Haven Baby Boxes. The first baby surrendered in Belen was adopted by a local firefighter and his wife.
Lawmakers are also working to clarify procedures and ensure the anonymity of parents who use the Safe Haven system. With increasing awareness and availability of these boxes, officials hope to prevent future incidents of infant abandonment.