THE Department of Social Development has expressed its concern over an article published in a local newspaper claiming that baby dumping had increased during lockdown.
The article claimed that the number of abandoned babies had risen by 80 per cent during lockdown, according to unofficial figures, and that there was a surge in child abandonment during the first week of national lockdown.
In response, the Department issued statement saying there has been no record of an increase of cases in child abandonment, and is, to date aware of nine cases of child abandonment reported by provinces between March and April this year.
Leanne Lorrance from local baby house, HOLAH, said they expected an increase in cases during this time.
“HOLAH is at full capacity with the arrival of three newborn babies during lockdown. All the small homes are at full capacity. The increase of child abandonment and consensual adoptions are expected to continue to increase as a result of Covid-19,” she said.
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Lorrance said they were receiving requests daily for help with food parcels, winter clothing and baby essentials from people who have been badly affected by the pandemic.
In the Department’s statement it said: “The Department recognises that it is particularly important to safeguard children who may be at an increased risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation, including abandonment during this time of uncertainty as some parents and caregivers are struggling to provide the needs of their children. The Department takes this opportunity to appeal to all NGOs to report all suspected cases of child abuse, neglect, abandonment and exploitation to a designated child protection organisation, the provincial department of social development, local social worker or a police official.”
The Department said all citizens have a responsibility to protect children and a duty to report cases of children in need of care, including abandonment.
Report cases of child abandonment to your local social worker or your local police.
If any person needs advice on the choices available to pregnant mothers, they can contact their area social worker or the nearest Department of Social Development office.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
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