Laws to introduce baby boxes soon

For parents who are unwilling and unable to raise infants less than 3 months

By Sujith Hewajulige

At least 60 incidents of parents abandoning children on the streets have been reported over the last six years, Commissioner of the Department of Probation and Child Care Services N.I.Liyanage said. Accordingly a decision has been reached to introduce baby-boxes, where parents who are unable or unwilling to raise newborns can abandon infants anonymously in a safe place, to be taken care of by the state.   

Department sources said that laws are being drafted to implement this project at a provincial level where infants less than three months can be left to be taken care by the state.   

At least 80 children have been killed over the last 6 years, due to various reasons, the Commissioner also said.   
There will be no legal action taken against parents who wish to leave infants in baby boxes, the Commissioner said, adding that the Cabinet approval in this regard will be sought soon. The laws would come into effect through the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.