The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act has established that child abandonment occurs when parents or caregivers fail to maintain contact with their child or contribute regular support both physically and financially. This can occur both permanently and short term. The Department of Heath and Human Services reports that 105 babies were found abandoned in 1998. This does not reflect babies who were not found or those who were not reported to hospitals or child welfare agencies.
Drug Addiction and Abandonment
Child abandonment occurs when one or both parents feel they cannot properly take care of a child, whether it be a newborn, young child or teenager. One reason why a mother may not be able to make sound decisions for her child is because she is addicted to drugs. The American Council for Drug Education states that drug addiction harms the baby and the decisions the mother makes before, during and after birth. Children raised in a drug-related home environment are at high risk for long periods of abandonment and neglect.
Unwanted Pregnancy
Unfortunately, some mothers are pregnant with children they do not want or are unable to care for. Some cases occur with teen mothers who are keeping their pregnancy a secret. The Illinois General Assembly states that the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act protects newborns from being discarded and abandoned after the mother gives birth. This act discourages the mother from dumping the child in a location where he will die and not receive proper postnatal care. This law protects the identity of the mother and she is not required to give any personal information if she decides to voluntarily leave the child at a hospital, physician's office or fire station.
Signs
There are some signs to look for if you observe a child who may have been abandoned or severely neglected. Health Place, America's Mental Health Channel, explains that indications of child neglect or abandonment may include a child in dire need of medical or dental care, frequent school absences, stealing food, begging for money, dressing inappropriately for winter and not answering questions directly about his parents or caregivers. Any drastic changes in appearance or personality may also indicate a sign of abandonment.
Assistance
If a child behaves in a bizarre manner or seems to be reaching out for attention, seek help from your local Department of Children Services to make sure the child is living in a safe environment. It may not be beneficial to you or the child to take matters into your own hands. If there is a case of abuse, the parent may react to your accusation by acting out on the child. The Administration for Children and Families reaffirms that local welfare agencies have trained professionals who can assess and help the child through his situation. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline can be reached at 800-422-4453 if you are unable to find someone to help you through your local child welfare agency.
Outcome
For a child who has been abandoned, the first step is that she receives proper medical care to assure she is healthy and mentally stable. The next step is finding out if one or both parents are willing to sign off their parental rights. If so they may give permission to another family member or the state to make decisions for the child's care. Some children with no stable family members are placed in the foster care system. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, more than 500,000 children are in the foster care system. In Arizona alone, there were more than 10,000 children placed in foster care due to abandonment. Once in the system, the child will be monitored closely by the courts and a social worker. The main goal of child protective services is to place the child in a permanent home that provides a stable environment so her needs can be met medically and physically.
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