Toddler Abandoned in Stork's Cradle 'Baby Hatch'

Japan - Stork's Cradle, the new 'baby drop box' system received a child on it's very first day of operation. But it was not an infant; it was a three year old boy.

The baby drop-off opened last Thursday at the Catholic-run Jikei Hospital in Kumamoto. The idea was to discourage abortions and/or abandonment of children in unsafe public places, by providing a safe alternative for disposing of an infant.

The first child to be left in the box was not an infant at all, but rather a 3-year-old little boy. The child, quoted by a Mainichi newspaper as saying 'I came with Daddy', was apparently dumped by his father.

The child and his father were seen holding hands as they approached the hospital. But there is currently no explanation for why the father decided to leave the boy behind in the drop box.

The hospital, citing privacy concerns, has refused to comment on the case, other than to say the child was in good health and that there were age limits on its drop-off service.

Local media reported that the boy was able give his name. The father's name, if known, has not been released as of yet.

National newspapers warned that the anonymous drop-off was open for abuse and could traumatize youngsters. They also condemned the father, concerned that his action could encourage copycats.

Japanese political leaders expressed outrage, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe quoted as saying "Anonymously throwing out a child is unacceptable." The Prime Minister urged parents to contact social workers for help if they find that raising their children gets too tough.

The Kyodo News reported Wednesday that Police had determined that no crime was committed, noting that the child was left in a situation in which he was not in danger of any immediate harm. But in an editorial, the paper said, 'We must rethink the meaning of the baby drop-off. Unlike a baby, a toddler may suffer from trauma.'

Calling the abandonment 'unforgivable', the newspaper appealed to the boy's family to come forward, saying that the little boy must be experiencing great loneliness.

The baby drop box was created in response to public outcry, after a series of high-profile cases in which newborn babies were left behind in places such as parks and supermarkets. A small 'hatch' on the side of the hospital was set up to allow people to drop off babies into an incubator 24 hours a day.

The baby hatch was designed for infants, and was never intended for receiving toddlers. Parents are always encouraged to seek outside help before dumping their offspring. For now, the baby hatch remains open, despite concerns that this misuse may inspire copycats.

Sources:
Mainichi
Kyodo News

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