Camera saves abandoned baby
The social worker counselled her on the various options that are available to her instead of abandoning the baby.
Tongaat police and Tongaat child and family welfare saved a month old baby from being abandoned on the steps of a shop in Arbee Drive, Tongaat on Monday.
The mother was caught leaving her baby on the steps on CCTV camera and prevented from doing so.
Police fetched her and her baby and contacted Tongaat child and family welfare.
“We interviewed the mother and found out she lives in the Maphumulo area and had been visiting family in Tongaat,” said social work manager, Jo Moodley.
“She said that due to her poverty and lack of family support, she felt helpless and felt she had no option but to give up her baby.
“Our social worker counselled her on the various options that are available to her instead of abandoning the baby and she said she would like the baby to be placed in foster care or adoption and if her circumstances should change, then she will resume care of the baby. She agreed to return to our offices on Tuesday.
“The social worker placed the baby with a screened host family overnight and is waiting for her return so that she can do the birth certificate application and decide on a way forward.
“Meanwhile, we have been trying to contact the father of the baby, however the number provided does not work. We will continue to work in the best interests of this baby and proceed with proper placement once we have all the relevant information and documents in place,” said Moodley.
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