Department of Human Services

Now that HPD has determined that the female who reported finding a baby at Sandy Beach on Sunday night is the baby’s mother, the Department of Human Services Child Welfare Services (CWS) will proceed as follows:

The CWS will work with the family to complete its investigation. Considering the circumstances of how the child came to CWS’ attention, the DHS also will ask the Court to order the alleged mother to submit to DNA testing. If an individual is identified as the father, the DHS also will ask that he submit to DNA testing to confirm parentage.

The final decision as to whether the child will be returned to her family, or if parental rights will be terminated, lies with the Family Court. An initial hearing is scheduled for Monday.