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SPECIAL TO THE DAILY NEWS

The 22nd JDC District Attorney’s Office proudly commemorates the installation of Louisiana’s first Safe Haven Baby Boxes—now available at Fire District 1 in Slidell and the Covington Fire Department.

St. Tammany Parish is paving the way for the rest of the state, setting an example of compassion, innovation, and protection for the most vulnerable among us.

These secure, climate-controlled boxes provide a safe, anonymous, and legal option for mothers in crisis to surrender their newborns—up to 60 days old—without fear of prosecution.

This is more than a milestone. It’s a matter of life and death.

In 2015, our community experienced an unspeakable tragedy when a baby was abandoned in a dumpster in Slidell. That baby did not survive. It’s a heartbreaking loss we carry with us—and one we are determined not to see repeated.

We were honored to stand with Monica Kelsey, founder of the Safe Haven Baby Box movement, who shared her own story of being abandoned at birth after her mother was raped. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and hope—and it’s changing lives across the country.

These boxes have the power to save lives—but only if people know they exist. Help us spread the word. Also, a special thanks to Amy Landry Barkerding for working so hard to bring this resource to our community.