The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is asking for help finding the family of a child left in a hospital emergency room.
DFPS said the child was dropped off at the emergency room at Dallas-Baylor Medical Center on Monday, possibly by her mother.
The baby is believed to be 6 years old and is named Alejandra. Still, she said no other information was provided and authorities said the girl was unable to provide any other identifying information.
Kate Mataya, a partner at the McClure Law Group in Dallas, said: “As a parent myself, I can't stand anyone doing something like this to their children, especially leaving them in such a dangerous situation.'' It's hard to imagine.”
As authorities continue to search for the girl's parents or guardians, NBC 5 asked experts what consequences the girl could face.
“The effects of leaving a 6-year-old child in the hospital are very serious,” Mataya said.
A family law attorney told NBC 5 that this type of abandonment could be grounds for revoking custody of a child.
“No adult in their right mind would think that leaving a 6-year-old in the hospital is a safe situation for them,” Mataya said.
Experts also said that if identified, those responsible could face prison sentences. “It is my understanding that abandoning a child, especially in situations that place the child at unreasonable risk of harm, is a criminal act under the Texas Penal Code,” Mataya told NBC 5.
According to DFPS, the state's Baby Moses law “gives parents who are unable to care for their children a safe and legal option to leave their infants with staff in designated safe locations.” However, the Baby Moses Law applies to intact and safe infants under 60 days of age.
NBC 5 asked what the next step would be if Alejandra's family is not found.
“My understanding is that she will be taken into custody immediately and then, if she can be identified, we will need to find a home for her family,” Mataya said. “If not, we will consider placing her in a foster care home long-term.”
Anyone with information about the girl's identity or family is asked to contact Maria Villegas at Texas DFPS at 214-901-4649.
