After a recent incident of infant abandonment captured public attention in Austin, advocates say more awareness of Texas' Safe Haven law is needed.

At a news conference last week, Detective Russell Constable of the Austin Police Department's child abuse unit said a newborn discovered abandoned in a North Lamar Boulevard dumpster on Sept. 20 was safe under the care of medical staff and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

He also stressed that there are options to legally and safely surrender infants.

"While this case is heartbreaking, it highlights the importance of community awareness and swift responses to children in need of aid," Constable said.

Since 2020, 82 children have been surrendered in compliance with Texas' Safe Haven law, including seven in the region t

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