Mother who left baby at police station charged

[jennielynn1970]

Look at that sweet, innocent, little face. Such a shame.

[moosmom]

At least she left her baby somewhere safe, although she should be punished for leaving her baby in the car.

I'm glad this has a happy ending and hope this child finds a wonderful, loving home.

[Cataholic]

As I read the story, she was picked up on outstanding warrants, not on a current charge stemming from this situation. I am sure that charge is coming, as useless as it will be.

I am in favor of a safe haven law. I would change it to any age...not limit it to 30 days. What difference does it make to the one we are trying to protect- the child? Shouldn't a 2 year old, a ten year old, etc., also be given the same safe protection?

Parenting can be VERY difficult for people (and, no, I am not drawing on any past personal experience. J is pretty dern easy, and has been). Maybe a person feels WAY overwhelmed with the birth, the process, something changes, etc., and while initially they thought they could or should do it, they can't?

Shouldn't the person we are struggling to protect- the baby- always be at the fore? Not the parent, and what the parent "shoulda, coulda, woulda"?

[cassiesmom]

I hear these stories on the news from time to time and it always makes me sad for the parent and the child. The state of Illinois has so many budget problems. I wish they would come up with some kind of resource, similar to the Safe Haven law, for parents of children older than 30 days. Either to give the parent some practical help, mentoring, parenting classes, or something so they wouldn't feel like their only option is to take the baby to the police station and bolt. Maybe when they finish fighting the budget battles.

[Lady's Human]

Maybe if they did something to help parents with their children the police budget wouldn't be so high..........

Not saying the state should take over parenting, but if the parent isn't capable, there should be some sort of help available that didn't involve criminal charges.

Waiting until the child is a teen isn't the time for intervention.

[Marigold2]

Birth control. Birth control, birth control. It can never be stressed too much. This women did the right thing in turning baby in to the police, she just as well could have put it in a dumpster.

[Cataholic]

I am a proponent of sex education, including BC.
However, not every one that gives up a child began as a person that never wanted a child.
Making adoption simpler and more affordable is a solution. Making it easier to relinquish a child could help.