What to do when … you know you can’t take care of your newborn baby
Welfare organisation numbers, what to leave with the baby, and the law ... everything you need to know when you're pregnant but cannot keep your child.
In light of the number of babies abandoned in Krugersdorp over the last few weeks, here are some suggestions for desperate mothers who cannot take care of their babies.
In case you missed it, read: Mother of abandoned Key West baby arrested
and Follow-up: Minister speaks out about finding abandoned baby
Captain Paula Terblanche, member of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) said there is a problem with the number of child abandonment cases in Krugersdorp.
“We appeal to mothers who are desperate to rather leave their children at a place of safety than abandon them in a place where they might die,” she said.
In 2016, 84 babies were abandoned in Krugersdorp.
Also read: 84 babies abandoned in Krugersdorp alone
Heidi Korb, a social worker at Krugersdorp Child Welfare, said that mothers should take their babies to an organisation where the future of the baby will be discussed.
“We will help you in any way possible and discuss the way forward for you and your child,” said Heidi.
What to do when you are desperate for help with your child or cannot take care of your child:
Contact any social worker at any welfare organisation (see the list that appears below), even if you are still pregnant but know that you might not be able to take care of your child when it is born. Welfare workers will not judge you, because they know how hard it is to raise a child. They will help you to make an informed decision that will be to the benefit of you and your child.
Welfare organisations that can help you with your baby:
Krugersdorp Child Welfare – 50 Third St, Krugersdorp North (011 953 1908)
NG Welfare – Commissioner St, Krugersdorp (011 660 3183)
Bethany House Trust – 19 Sarel Potgieter Street, Monument (011 660 2763)
RATA Social Services – 83 Rustenburg Rd, Krugersdorp West (011 953 1200)
Teddy Bear Clinic – address not disclosed to protect the children (011 660 3077)
Refilwe Community Project – Plot 87 Pelindaba Road, Lanseria (082 465 6972)
Baby Moses Sanctuary – 37 Dion St, Helderkruin (011 768 7600)
Just in Time Baby drop box: 17 Robina Road, Greenhills, Randfontein (Contact Georgina Caetano on 062 045 8219)
All these organisations offer counselling to desperate mothers and help them to cope with their new babies. Please do not abandon your child. All information will be treated as strictly confidential. Your child could end up in a warm stable loving home and you will not be plagued by guilt. You will be able to continue with your normal life. You might even be re-united with our child in future.
Please remember that child abandonment is punishable by law.
What is abandonment?
‘Abandonment’ refers to a child who has been deserted by the parent, guardian or care-giver or has for no apparent reason had no contact with the parent, guardian or care-giver for a period of at least three months.
Section 150(1)(a) of the Children’s Amendment Act 17 of 2016 states that a child is in need of care and protection if the child has been abandoned or orphaned and does not have the ability to support him-/ herself and such inability is readily apparent.
Abandoned children are adoptable in terms of section 230(3)(c) of the abovementioned Act. If you hand over your child voluntarily, you will not be charged with a criminal offence.
Things to leave with the baby:
Various welfare organisations and baby sanctuaries agree that they need some information about the child from the mother. A mother who wants to give up her child can help the baby by leaving a letter containing certain important information with the baby at the sanctuary or welfare organisation.
Here is an example of what a mother can leave with the baby:
Mother’s ID number
Date of baby’s birth
Family history of illnesses such as cancer, high blood pressure, etc
Medical history, including hospital visits, vaccinations, injections, etc
Circumstances of pregnancy
Father’s ID number
Particulars of father, including his medical history (if possible)
Telephone number of mother or father (if possible)
Disclaimer: None of the listed organisations approve of baby abandonment, nor are they trying to persuade mothers to abandon their babies. This is only an informative piece aimed at assisting desperate mothers.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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