On February 12, 2023, at noon, the Baby Window facility located at the Congregation of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Preschool on Piekarska Street, Świdnica, became the center of attention when Sister Estera Radkiewicz discovered an abandoned infant boy. This unusual event not only highlights the function of Baby Windows but also sheds light on the challenging realities many families face.
According to Sister Estera, who was on duty at the time, the alarm signaling the presence of the child went off unexpectedly during the day. "I just returned from the city and was about to go to the children at the preschool when I heard the bell. When I saw the boy in the baby window, I was very surprised. It was the first time such a situation had happened to me. He greeted me with a smile," she reported, reflecting on the moment of discovery.
The infant, approximately several months old, was found clean, well-groomed, and appropriately dressed for the chilly weather. He was covered with a blanket, which had attached to it a card bearing his name—something previously seen only among older children abandoned at Baby Windows. Sister Estera explained, "This is the first case where the child has already been named. Before, they were only newborns, and names were assigned later. This boy was older." The presence of the name adds an emotional depth to the situation, highlighting the poignant choices made by the parents involved.
Immediately following the discovery, Sister Estera and her colleagues adhered to established protocols by notifying the police and calling emergency medical services. Medical staff arrived shortly after, assessing the infant's condition and confirming he was stable before transporting him to the hospital for additional care. "He was clean, well-groomed, and dressed appropriately for the season," Sister Estera recalled, noting the child's overall well-being.
This incident marks the third child to have been left at the Świdnica Baby Window since its establishment back in 2010. The first was baby Józef Ignacy, found on September 27, 2019, and the second was Zofia Aniela, discovered on January 27, 2023. Like the latest addition, both infants were taken to safety and placed under the care of appropriate institutions, with their fates dependent on legal processes involving family courts.
According to local statistics, the Baby Window not only saves lives but also reflects the dire circumstances many families find themselves facing, resulting from economic hardship, lack of support, or other personal crises. The care and anonymity provided by these facilities allow parents to make difficult decisions without the fear of judgment. “Such places save the lives of children and give them a chance for a new home,” emphasized the sisters, acknowledging the complex emotions surrounding these moments.
The broader concept of Baby Windows, like the one in Świdnica, has gained traction as part of social services intended to provide safe alternatives for parents unable to care for their newborns. The facility is part of the larger framework established by the Sisters of the Presentation and supported by local authorities and charities like the Caritas, which aims to help vulnerable families.
It’s important to understand the legal and medical protocols involved once a child is placed within the Baby Window. After medical examinations, the process to find adoptive families begins, overseen by family courts to determine the best outcomes for each child. Sister Estera and her colleagues remain hopeful for the future, knowing each child left here is not just another number, but rather someone deserving of love and care.
The case of this latest infant from the Świdnica Baby Window is both heartbreaking and hopeful. It serves as a reminder of the struggles many families face and the compassionate measures put in place to help both parents and children alike. The selfless actions of those involved shed light on the urgent need for supportive resources for families experiencing crises.