02 Oct 2017

Government is deeply disturbed by incidents of baby dumping across the country.

A press release from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development says as the custodian of children’s issues, they wish to affirm its resolve for child protection in Botswana in accordance with the provisions of the Children’s Act of 2009.

The release says if the biological parent(s) are unable to provide for the child at a particular point in their lives, alternative measures can be sought and these include placing the child in a child welfare institution, foster care and adoption.

It says the public is therefore requested to seek such services by reporting any cases they may experience during pregnancy or after giving birth at any hospital, Social and Community Development offices in their districts or villages or contact the nearest police station.

“By the same token, relatives of vulnerable pregnant women are also requested to be on the lookout for any signs of distress in pregnant mothers and those that have just given birth and notify the offices mentioned above to ensure safety of both the mother and the baby,” says the release.

Furthermore, it says the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is appealing to the public to desist from baby dumping and follow the right channels to hand over babies for alternative care to be arranged. ENDS