Baby box in Edenvale gives hope to desperate mothers
When the last child was left in the box, the mother left a note with the child.
“Your b-day will always be celebrated.”
These were the parting words a mother left her baby-boy when she left him in the care of Tree of Hope in Edenvale.
Tree of Hope gives abandoned babies a second chance, and parents an alternative option if they do not wish to keep their child.
Founded by Lelanie le Roux and her daughter, Daniela Carstens-le Roux, the initiative allows mothers to leave their child anonymously and safely via a baby box.
The NEWS met with Lelanie and Daniela to learn more about Tree of Hope after the body of a baby girl was found in a dustbin in Harmelia on July 29.
Since its launch in February this year, three babies – two days old, five days old and a month old – were left in the baby box.
Lelanie, who is also principal of Monte Waldi, said before implementing the box three babies were dropped off at the school’s premises.
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Lelanie previously worked in the SAPS’ Child Protection Unit for several years before becoming a principal.
The first baby was handed to the school’s security guard while another was left at the school’s entrance, on Sixth Avenue.
“The last baby, before we implemented the Tree of Hope box, was left outside the school in the early evening,” said Lelanie.
“The only reason why I was still at the school was because a parent was running late and needed to pick up their child.”
Lelanie said when the parent arrived, she received a phone call notifying her about the baby.
“If it weren’t for that parent running late, the child may have been left outside overnight as the teachers use another gate on Fifth Avenue to enter and exit the school.”
Lelanie conducted research on abandoned babies in SA, and soon constructed her baby box system. She is now working with SAPS, Child Welfare SA – Edenvale and Bedfordview and ER24.
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Lelanie explained that when the hatch is opened an alarm goes off and she, Daniela and her husband, receive notification via their cellphones.
A camera, which monitors the inside of the compartment, shows a live stream of the baby being placed inside.
Inside the baby box is a mattress, a blanket and a letter for the person giving up the baby.
The letter explains to the person that SAPS and Child Welfare will be informed of the incident and the baby will be handed over to welfare.
“The child is assessed by ER24 paramedics. SAPS will write an affidavit, given to child welfare and again assessed by a medical profession.
“The baby will be taken to a place of safety, individuals will have 90 days to contact the child welfare if they want their baby back.”
People safely leaving their children are encouraged to leave the child’s proof of birth, Road to Health booklet and any other important documents, in the post box at number 24 Sixth Avenue.
Five minutes after the hatch is closed the baby is collected.
Lelanie said when the last child was left in the box, the mother left a note with the child.
The note explained how the mother felt heartbroken to abandon her child although she knew it was in the child’s best interest, and that his birthday will be celebrated every year.
“I will keep this note and give it to the child when they are 18. If something happens to me, my daughter will give the note to the child.”
Lelanie said in instances when children are not abandoned, mothers may decide to have an abortion.
She said some women go to illegal abortion clinics which abort pregnancies up to eight-and-a-half months.
“The mother is given a tablet which starts labour before the procedure begins. Once the child is removed from the womb, the mother is given the child’s body and told to get rid of it.”
Lelanie explained that because baby boxes cannot be registered as an NPO, she is working closely with the authorities.
She hopes to continue assisting children in need, having baby boxes regulated and fighting for safe haven rights.
She is currently part of a group of 35 individuals who operate baby boxes in SA which also self-regulates baby boxes.
Lelanie explained that safe haven rights allow a mother to safely leave their child at a police station, clinic, hospital or a fire station, and are common in the USA and Europe.
Contact Tree of Hopes Crisis Line on 064 696 3085.
