Minister Fernandez condemns baby dumping, urges public to assist

Against the backdrop of recent reports of babies being dumped, the Western Cape Minister for Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, condemns such acts in the strongest terms, and wishes to alert the public that ‘dumping’ a baby is a criminal offence.

“We understand that often the circumstances which lead to mothers dumping their babies can be complex, however, it is illegal.

We appeal to all expectant mothers who are unable to take care of their babies to seek assistance either at any clinic, or to approach their nearest Department of Social Development (DSD) local office or a Child Designated Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) to speak to a social worker who may be able to assist with information about options suitable to the individual’s circumstances,” said Minister Fernandez.

The Department’s figures indicate the following:

1)         April 2019  - March 2020  (47)

2)         April 2020 – March 2021 (24)

3)         April 2021 – December 2021 (26) – 3 Quarters

It is important to note that not all of these abandonments are necessarily babies abandoned, for example, left on a field or in bins etc. These figures also include children abandoned by alternate caregivers such as grandparent, foster parents and etc.

When a case of child abandonment is reported to a child protection organisation, the child protection protocol is activated, and the matter is assigned to a designated social worker for further investigation.  This would include conducting a safety and risk assessment of the abandoned baby as well as their placement into temporary safe care, pending further statutory processes. 

Common reasons for parents abandoning their babies as reported by DSD social workers and child protection organisations varies, and include following:

• The biological mother not having visible means to take care of a baby, unemployment, no fixed abode (destitute), no kinship or non-kinship support system, illegal substance abuse, having already several other children, psychological disorders, judgement from someone or community if giving baby up for adoption / alternate care (adoption may be frowned upon in certain cultures / communities), not aware of what to do or what organizations to approach if unable to provide care for their babies.

How can the public help?

The DSD is always looking to recruit safety parents to look after children/babies that are in need of temporary safe care. Furthermore, temporary safe care is an emergency measure that can be used by social workers or police officials where they believe, on reasonable grounds, that the child is in immediate danger.

The child will then be placed with safety parents in temporary safe care, where they’ll stay pending the outcome of a formal court process.

Safety parents service as a critical measure to widening the safety net of protection. In this regard, we appeal to those who meet the criteria to apply to become safety parents. This can be done at any DSD office, where our staff will explain the process and requirements.

Should a person find an abandoned baby, it is advised that they contact SAPS or the DSD immediately.

“I would like to appeal for people to sign up as safety parents. We have seen an increased need for child protection services. This is a great way for community members to partner with us and be part of protecting our children,” said Minister Fernandez.

For more information on our services and supporting NGO’s the public can call:

Department of Social Development: 0800 220 250 

Gender Based Violence Command Center: 0800 428 428 

SAPS: 10111                                                                          

Childline: 116