Creating the opportunity for miracles to happen.

HELDERBERG BABY SAVER

FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Helderberg Baby Saver necessary?

Yes, unfortunately it is. Thousands of people are struggling to survive in the midst of poverty, unemployment, high rates of disease, the devastation of addiction, domestic abuse and broken families. One result is that newborn babies are literally being thrown away. Many women need support during their pregnancies and need the help of a counsellor or social worker to talk through their options regarding their unborn child, but this is not always available. There is also no Safe Haven Law in South Africa so babies cannot be safely handed over at clinics or hospitals – with no questions, no blame.

Where is the Helderberg Baby Saver, and are there cameras?

The Helderberg Baby Saver is built into the wall on the right hand side of the Choices building on Schapenberg Road, Somerset West and there are no cameras.

What happens when a baby is placed in the Baby Saver?

Once a baby is placed in the Baby Saver and the door is closed, the door automatically locks keeping the baby safe. The Saver has been designed to detect a baby and once a newborn is placed inside, a signal is activated and responders are contacted, plus an armed response vehicle and an ambulance are dispatched. One of the local responders will then retrieve the baby.

What happens next?

The ambulance crew will check the baby immediately and then transport him/her to the local hospital, along with the responder. There the baby will have a medical check up and we will contact Wandisa, the Designated Child Protection Organisation with whom we work, who will then take statutory responsibility for the newborn, deal with legalities and find temporary safe care for the baby while assessing the best permanent option (such as adoption) for the little one.

How can I adopt?

We are not an adoption agency and therefore do not facilitate adoptions. All babies who come through the Helderberg Baby Saver are immediately referred to a Designated and Accredited Child Protection Organisation with specialisation in adoption.
You should contact Wandisa directly if you would like to explore the possibility of being screened to be an adoptive parent (or temporary safe care or foster parent).

Where can I get help?

There are a number of options for women experiencing crisis pregnancies.

– Choices Crisis Pregnancy Centre for Options Counselling
(where the Baby Saver is situated in Somerset West): 021 852 6454

– Wandisa™ Specialist Adoption and Child Protection Organisation
Tel: 021 852 8025 / info@wandisa.co.za

– Call or message Open Arms SA – Tel: 084 488 1359

– Contact one of the organisations listed on this website:

ABOUT HELDERBERG BABY SAVER

After an abandoned newly-born baby was found dumped by a river near the Somerset West CBD some concerned residents decided to take steps to try and avoid this happening again. Should a person find themselves in such desperate circumstances that they feel forced to dump their new-born baby, the hope is that they will do so in the Helderberg Baby Saver.

THE BABY SAVER IS EASY TO ACCESS

The Baby Saver is easy to access and easy to use – simply open the door, place the baby into the Saver and close the door – which then automatically locks. The trigger-plate will send an alarm which will result in Responders attending the Saver and sending the baby via ambulance to the local hospital where it will be placed into the foster care/adoption system, as with any other abandoned baby.