Austin, September 23, 2025
News Summary
A newborn baby girl was discovered abandoned in a dumpster at an apartment complex in North Austin. Residents who heard her cries rescued her and she was taken to Dell Children’s Hospital. The case is under investigation as authorities search for the mother. This incident underscores the importance of Texas’s Safe Haven Law, which allows parents to relinquish infants safely and anonymously.
AUSTIN, Texas — An investigation is currently underway after a newborn baby girl was discovered abandoned in a dumpster at an apartment complex in North Austin. The incident occurred on Saturday in the 8600 block of North Lamar Blvd, where residents heard the cries of the infant and promptly rescued her from the dumpster.
When found, the baby was covered in dirt and blood, with emergency responders noting that she still had her umbilical cord attached. The temperature in Austin on that day reached 90 degrees. Following the rescue, the newborn was transported to Dell Children’s Hospital for evaluation, where she is reported to be recovering well.
Misty Enos, the supervisor at Child Protective Investigations, confirmed that the baby is doing well as the investigation continues to locate her mother. As of Monday, no charges have been filed in connection with the case.
This incident highlights the critical importance of the Safe Haven Law in Texas, which allows parents to anonymously drop off a baby at designated locations without the fear of prosecution. Such designated locations include hospitals, fire stations, EMS stations, and police stations. Since the enactment of the Safe Haven Law, which aims to ensure the safety of children whose parents are unable to care for them, 82 babies have been safely relinquished in Texas, including seven in Austin.
Advocates for safe surrender options, such as Monica Kelsey, the founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, emphasize the need for increased awareness of these alternatives to prevent unsafe abandonments. Texas reported 33 abandonments in the previous year, many of which resulted in tragic outcomes, with some infants found deceased.
Notably, the Austin area currently lacks Safe Haven Baby Boxes, which offer a secure and anonymous method for parents to surrender an infant. The recent discovery of the baby in the dumpster serves as a stark reminder about educating the public on safe surrender options and the importance of preventing unsafe abandonments.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information regarding the case to contact the Austin Police Department’s Child Abuse Unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Austin?
A baby girl was abandoned in a dumpster at an apartment complex in North Austin.
Where was the baby found?
The dumpster is located in the 8600 block of North Lamar Blvd.
When was the baby discovered?
The baby was discovered on a Saturday by residents who heard her cries.
What condition was the baby in when found?
The newborn was covered in dirt and blood and still had her umbilical cord attached.
Where is the baby now?
The baby was taken to Dell Children’s Hospital for evaluation and is recovering.
Have any charges been filed?
No charges have been filed as of Monday in connection with the case.
What is the Safe Haven Law?
The Safe Haven Law in Texas allows parents to anonymously drop off a baby at designated locations without fear of prosecution.
How many babies have been relinquished under the Safe Haven Law in Texas?
Since the Safe Haven Law was enacted, 82 babies have been safely relinquished in Texas, including seven in Austin.
What can be done to prevent unsafe abandonments?
Education about safe surrender options is crucial to preventing unsafe abandonments.
Who should be contacted with information about the case?
Those with information about the case are urged to contact the Austin Police Department’s Child Abuse Unit.
Key Features of Safe Haven Law in Texas
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Anonymous Surrender | Parents can drop off a baby at designated locations without fear of prosecution. |
| Designated Locations | Includes hospitals, fire stations, EMS stations, and police stations. |
| Number of Babies Surrendered | 82 babies have been safely relinquished in Texas since the law was enacted, including 7 in Austin. |
| Prevention of Unsafe Abandonment | The law aims to protect infants whose parents cannot care for them. |
| Awareness Advocacy | Increasing public knowledge about safe surrender options is essential. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Newborn Baby Rescued from Dumpster in North Austin
Newborn Baby Girl Abandoned in North Austin Dumpster
Newborn Baby Found Alive in North Austin Dumpster
Newborn Baby Found Alive in Austin Dumpster
Baby Found Abandoned in Dumpster in North Austin
Baby Girl Found Alive in North Austin Dumpster
Additional Resources
- KXAN: Baby found safe in North Austin dumpster
- Wikipedia: Safe Haven Laws in the United States
- CBS Austin: 82 Texas babies protected by the Safe Haven Law
- Google Search: Safe Haven Law Texas
- Fox 7 Austin: Infant found in Austin dumpster
- Google Scholar: Safe Haven Law Impact
- KVUE: Baby found abandoned in Austin dumpster
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Safe Haven Law
- KVUE: Dumpster baby recovery in hospital
- Google News: Abandoned Baby Austin
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
