Authorities have given a heartwarming update on the baby boy mysteriously dumped outside a fire station as part of a renewed public appeal.
Estimated to be less than 24 hours old, the baby had no obvious signs of injury, was in good health and well-fed.
Three months on, the baby’s mother is yet to come forward.
Following a brief stint in hospital for observation, the baby boy, now almost 14-weeks-old, was placed with foster carers under the care of Children, Youth and Families, and is now ‘thriving’.
‘Every feed, every check and every comforting moment is being provided to ensure he continues to grow safely and healthily,’ ACT Health and Community Services Directorate deputy director-general Anne-Marie Sabellico said.
‘He is safe, healthy, and his parents are meeting his every need.’
Authorities on Monday renewed a public appeal to track down the mother so that important decisions can be made about the baby boy’s long-term future.
ACT Health and Community Services Directorate deputy director-general Anne-Marie Sabellico issued a public plea to the mother of the baby dumped outside a fire station near Canberra
A photo of the donut-shaped blanket the baby was wrapped in was released as part of the renewed public appeal
‘To do this well, we need information that only his family or those close to the situation can provide,’ Ms Sabellico added.
‘We are seeking details about any family medical history, cultural or identity connections, and any hopes that his family has for him.
‘There is no expectation that anyone who comes forward must be part of his life going forward. Even limited information will help shape decisions about the baby’s long-term care, identity, health and family connections.
‘This information will shape his life story. One day, he will want to understand where he came from. Even small details can make a profound difference.’
A photo of the distinctive round and donut-themed blanket the little boy was wrapped in was also released in the hope of jogging the memory of anyone who may have seen what happened.
Ms Sabellico assured that the mother was not in any trouble and that no crime had been committed as she issued a heartfelt plea.
‘I want to speak to you with no judgement and with deep respect for whatever you are facing,’ she said.
‘You bravely chose to leave him where he would be seen quickly by people who you knew could provide immediately provide medical attention, warmth and safety.
The baby was found outside South Tuggeranong ACT Fire & Rescue Station in Conder shortly after 7am on November 27
‘That decision protected his life.
‘Without judgment, there’s a reason why the little boy was left the way he was, so we want to respect that, but also understand it, to be able to move forward for this little boy.
‘Wherever you are, whatever you are feeling, your voice and those closest to you matter for the future of this lovely little boy.’
ACT Policing Detective Superintendent Alex Nicolson revealed at the time that contractors working at the station noticed the baby outside and alerted firefighters.
Police received a tip off that a blue SUV vehicle was seen outside the fire station before the baby was dropped off.
Police also urge anyone with information, CCTV or footage of the fire station near Tharwa Drive and Drakeford Drive between 5am and 7.30am on the morning of November 27 to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.