The West
Coast Regional Social Welfare coordinator has expressed concern about the
manner in which mothers abandon their babies in the region, especially in
Brikama a transit town.
Haruna Badjie made this remark on Monday during an interview with this reporter after a case of an abandoned baby was reported to his office.
He said people should be vigilant to prevent such things, and to report them to the relevant authorities.
He said most people who find abandoned babies have a misconception that they report the amtter to his office they will never get the baby back.
He said this is baseless, as it is not the wish of his department to deny abandoned babies their right to be brought up in a family setting.
Regional coordinator Badjie stressed that before giving an abandoned baby to the finder, the person must fulfill some requirements, among which medical and police screening are crucial, as well as a social enquiry report on the finder of the abandoned baby.
The department of Social Welfare has established about eleven community child protection committees across the region, one of which is in Brikama, all geared toward creating a protective environment for children.
He commended the Gambia police for their collaboration and commitment toward arresting the situation.
