The ProKids Foundation VS has set up a baby hatch in Villingen-Schwenningen. Mothers in particularly difficult situations can anonymously leave their babies there for safe care.
They then have 8 weeks to decide in favor of their child., before it is released for adoption.
This is intended as a last resort.The project was implemented jointly with the city of Villingen-Schwenningen and its Office for Youth and Social Affairs. For assistance, even after the submission of the child, the counseling centers of Caritas, Diakonie, and ProFamilia are available.
“We see the baby hatch as
last resort for emergency aid"It must be located nearby and easily accessible," explains Joachim Spitz. The project was initiated based on humanitarian principles.
The baby hatch is located in VS-Schwenningen, in the centrally located Franziskusheim, Neckarstraße 71.
It is installed and easily accessible on foot, by train, by bus, or directly by car. The location is still discreet enough that the baby hatch can be used unobtrusively when needed. The room with the hatch is comfortably heated and a crib is provided.
When a child is left in the baby hatch, a visual signal is sent after a short delay to the nursing staff of the Franziskusheim, as well as messages to various people who might be near the hatch. Someone then arrives within minutes and initiates further steps. Professional help is then available as quickly as possible. Since 2012, we have already saved the lives of five newborns.
