Infant girl abandoned at Palmetto Richland now in DSS custody

Richland County Department of Social Services officials reported that an infant girl that was abandoned is now under the protection of the state.

Officials said “Baby Girl Doe,” a healthy, white female infant weighing 7-pounds and 7-ounces, was brought to Palmetto Health-Richland on Nov. 26. The infant was then placed under the protection of the Safe Haven staff.

The child was reportedly born at a doctor’s office, officials said.

The law allows infants less than 30 days old to be left at a designated safe haven, as long as the child is left in an employee’s hands.

Safe havens include hospitals, hospital outpatient facilities, emergency medical services stations, law enforcement agencies, fire stations and houses of worship.

The law doesn't require the person to answer any questions.

In accordance with the Safe Haven Act, a permanency planning hearing will be held at the Richland County Family Court on Thursday at 3:45 p.m., officials said. Any person wishing to assert parental rights regarding the infant must do so at the hearing.

This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 1:06 PM.