The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is urging parents who may be unable to care for their children due to financial or any other constraints, to contact their Hotline at 966 to discuss alternative care options.

The Authority made the call in a statement today as it weighed in on the baby girl who was found dumped in the bushes in Freeport on Thursday morning.

“This discovery is a stark reminder that many children are not receiving the best possible care and protection at home and as such require support. Parents are reminded that if they are having challenges with caring and protecting their children, they should reach out to trusted family members or friends. Parents are also reminded that they can contact the Authority, the Police, ChildLine or the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services,” it said in a statement on Friday, which also marked the recognition of Children’s Day. 

The Authority says it is aware that many families may be struggling as a result of economic or emotional challenges brought about by the COVID 19 pandemic. However, it maintains that child abandonment should never be an option.

“Parents are reminded that abandoning a child is an offence. Section 4 (1) (a) of The Children Act, 2012 states that, “Where a person has responsibility for a child and wilfully assaults, ill- treats, neglects, abandons or exposes the child or causes or procures the child to be assaulted, ill-treated, neglected, abandoned, or exposed in a manner likely to cause that child suffering or injury to his physical, mental or emotional health, commits an offence of cruelty,” it said.

Investigators are still searching for the baby’s parents.