Authorities in Texas are working to reunite the family of a girl who was abandoned at a hospital emergency room over the weekend.
On Thursday the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services said it had identified the girl's family.
"We’re grateful for the public’s help locating Alejandra’s family," the department said in a statement to Scripps News. "We believe we now know her identity and are in contact with her relatives. Alejandra remains in CPS care for now and options for placing her with family members are being explored. The first court hearing in her case is scheduled for Dec. 14."
DFPS said the child was left at Baylor Medical Center Dallas on Sunday, possibly by her mother, according to local station NBC DFW.
DFPS said the girl’s name is Alejandra, and she is believed to be 6 years old. The child was unable to provide other identifying information.
On Wednesday, DFPS posted a photo of the girl on social media, asking for the public’s help finding her family.
“We need your help,” said the post. “Meet 6-year-old Alejandra – she was dropped off at a Dallas hospital emergency room on Sunday. We desperately need your help to find her family.”
We need your help! 📣 Meet 6-year-old Alejandra – she was dropped off at a #Dallas hospital emergency room on Sunday. We desperately need your help to find her family. Please share and contact Maria Villegas at 214-901-4649 if you have any info. 🤠 https://t.co/zl3u2CbhyY pic.twitter.com/z3sH1Dz7JR
— Texas DFPS (@TexasDFPS) December 6, 2023
The girl was shown smiling in a photograph wearing a pink fleece jacket with her hair in a ponytail.
Per Texas State law, if a person abandons a child without intent to return, they could face a third-degree felony charge. Penalties include up to 10 years and a possible fine of up to $10,000.
DFPS is asking anyone with information to contact Maria Villegas at 214-901-4649.
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