LYNCHBURG (WSLS 10) - The city of Lynchburg is working to save infant lives.
The fire department and Child Protective Services received $700 from the local fire foundation to add safe baby haven signs at fire stations across the city.
Friday, the Lynchburg Fire Department installed 20 signs at eight different stations in visible places.
"In Virginia recently, there have been at least four cases of children who have been abandoned inappropriately or had their bodies disposed of inappropriately," said Lynchburg Deputy Fire Chief of Administration, Jason Campbell.
This past winter, a baby was found dead in a dumpster in Franklin County.
"Rescue squad stations, 24-hour emergency departments or hospitals are designated as safe haven locations in Virginia," said Campbell. "So, parents can voluntarily give up their children within the first 14 days after birth."
In partnership with CPS, the department hopes to raise awareness and educate the community about options for parents who find themselves looking to give up their baby for whatever reason.
"I think it has to do with family dynamics," said Lynchburg CPS supervisor, Sherry Ratcliff. "It can do with mental health or it could be that a mom is not prepared for the challenges."
Ratcliff said the signs could also be helpful for a mother dealing with postpartum depression.
"The first thing that we're going to do is do a quick assessment of the child to see if there are any signs of abuse and neglect or if there are medical conditions," said Campbell. "If so, we would immediately take the child to the emergency department."
"Then CPS will be called," said Ratcliff. "Then we will come out and Department of Social Services will put the child in an appropriate foster care home."
It's giving young parents and alternative to a possibly devastating situation.
The fire department hopes other local fire departments will take on the same initiative.