jojofrancine1922597

[jojofrancine1922597]

Disclaimer

‘The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only. It is a platform used to train the University of Wolverhampton Multimedia Journalism students in online journalism practices and decision-making. The opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of the University of Wolverhampton.The University of Wolverhampton makes no representations or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the information, content, materials, products or services included on this site. The University of Wolverhampton does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information contained within this site and in no event shall the University of Wolverhampton be liable under any theory of law, for any indirect, incidental, punitive or consequential damages.The University of Wolverhampton will not be held responsible for information provided through external links to other web sites.’

[jojofrancine1922597]

3 Abandoned babies in less than 6 weeks

Abandoning the babies could be a reflection of mental health issues

Three babies have been abandoned in and around the black country area within a twenty-mile radius between 11th April to 21st May 2021.

Police have appealed for the mother of a new-born baby to come forward. The baby boy was found deceased in a Walsall canal on Friday after a passer-by spotted him in Rough Wood Country Park, at around 1pm. The police believe he was up to 4 days old and may have been in the water for that period.

Prior to this, a baby’s body was found in Morrison’s car park on the Black Country route and a baby boy was found alive and abandoned in a Kings Norton park in Birmingham. All abandoned in less than 6 weeks.

What is the guidance on what happens once a child is found abandoned?

The authorities will try to find the child’s parents try to work with them to help them continue parenting their child. However, in instances where this is not possible, they will usually try to find relatives or close friends who may be willing to take on the role of parenting the child. If there is, the child will be placed in foster care until a family member can be located or until the courts and social services, decide as to what course of action should be taken.

Carol-Anne, a mother who was pregnant at 15 and from a religious background, spoke about her experience,

“As a young mother, brought up in a strict household, I understand fear when you end up pregnant in unprecedented circumstances. I asked for help and got it from an MBU (Mother and baby Unit) in Ladywood. These people see abandonment as an option, it never was for me because I never felt abandoned by anyone back then.

My life has changed a lot, but I think more work needs to be done to bring awareness to the charities that are out there to help. When friends saw the help I got, they followed in my footsteps"

What the law says about parents that are held responsible for child abandonment

Law specialists, Contact Law. confirmed that under the 1861 Child Abandonment Law, it is a criminal offence for a parent to abandon a child under 2 years old. In practice, legal action is not always taken against the parent, as they may have underlying mental issues or problems with addiction

Jane Gosnell-Lee, clinical Psychotherapist and Counsellor of more than thirty years, based in Hammerwich, said,

“Abandoning the babies could be a reflection of mental health issues or could be connected to stress relating to the circumstances of the birth…

To prevent recurrence is difficult, but good mental health support within the NHS would be helpful but without knowing the full story difficult to answer.”

What happened with the other cases?

A twenty-one year old woman and thirty-six year old man were arrested and bailed in connection of the body found in Morrisons. We were unable to get an updated statement on the case and it is still ongoing.

An e-fit has been put together in hopes to find the mother of the baby boy left in a park. nurses called him George because he was left on St. Georges day.

With mental health increased dramatically since the pandemic, is this the new norm?

Story by Jojo Francine

[jojofrancine1922597]

Mother and baby in front of Dorothy Pattison Hospital. Ran by Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Offering treatment to people who are experiencing mental health difficulties

[jojofrancine1922597]

Kings Norton, where Baby George was found alive

[jojofrancine1922597]

Rough wood park Canal. Where Newborn Baby's body was found