'Baby box' proposal would create safer place for newborns to be left by parents

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A state lawmaker is looking for a safe alternative for parents who can't care for their newborn children. 

Senator Dale Kooyenga wants to put "baby boxes" at safe havens in the state of Wisconsin. 

The heated box is built into a wall and when a baby is placed inside, an alarm goes off and alerts first responders. 

"We want to make sure that there's the right assets available, the right resources available, that we try to get through to these people, there are resources available. Just don't hurt the baby," said State Sen. Dale Kooyenga (R) Brookfield. 

Kooyenga is reminding people that Wisconsin parents are protected by a Safe Haven law. They can leave their newborn child with a police officer or hospital. The baby must be unharmed and under 72 hours old. Parents do not have to give their name or address.