DFA News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration, Local Government Division (LGD) announced they will provide $10,000 grants to local governments for surrender safety devices that allow infants to be safely and legally surrendered. 

Gov. Lujan Grisham approved $330,000 to provide local governments with funds to plan, design, construct, equip and install surrender safety devices statewide. The maximum grant award for each applicant is $10,000. 

“Baby Boxes have saved 21 babies around the United States so far,” DFA Secretary Debbie Romero said. “Although surrendering a child can be a difficult decision for parents and guardians, we are thankful for the opportunity to provide funding for an alternate option that ensures the safety and welfare of the child.”  

Under the New Mexico Safe Haven for Infants Act, a surrender safety device, or “Baby Box” is a device that legally permits a parent or guardian in crisis to safely, securely, and anonymously surrender their infant if they are unable to care for them. A Baby Box is installed on an exterior wall of a designated fire station or hospital. It has an exterior door that automatically locks upon placement of a newborn inside the Baby Box and an interior door that allows a medical staff member to secure the surrendered newborn from inside the designated building.  

To request funding, local governments should send a letter requesting the $10,000 grant to Donnie Quintana, LGD Division Director via email at Donnie.Quintana@dfa.nm.gov or mail to 407 Galisteo St., Santa Fe, NM  87501. *Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.