Foster Care Victoria

You can find this article in yesterday’s Sunday Herald Sun.  Another one to join Baby Catherine in prompting interest in foster care.  It is a pity that the thousands of other cases in Victoria deserving on some acknowledgement remain under the radar of most people.
Article from: Sunday Herald Sun
Liam Houlihan
September 16, 2007 12:00am

A MAN has abandoned a toddler at one of Melbourne’s busiest train stations. The little girl lost, dubbed “Pumpkin” by police, was walked on to a platform at Southern Cross station yesterday then left alone.Police believe the Asian man seen holding her hand in video footage was known to the girl, who appeared calm and relaxed.They suspect he could be her father or uncle.

The man let go of Pumpkin’s hand on the platform then took the escalator.

He left the station, on Spencer St, without her.

Police are appealing for her parents or anyone who knows the child to come forward.

Officers said the girl was happy and perky last night despite her ordeal, but she had not spoken.

She has been placed in Department of Human Services care until her relatives can be found.

Security staff found the girl, who could be as young as three, wandering by herself on the platform about 10am yesterday.

Police dubbed the girl Pumpkin after her Pumpkin Patch brand vest.

She was found wearing bright pink corduroy pants with a multi-coloured patch on the back pocket and matching green cuffs.

She was also wearing an aqua vest with red and pink diamond squares, a long-sleeved pink top, a red hooded jacket and pink and white runners.

The dark-haired man with her was wearing a grey suit jacket and black trousers and was pulling a suitcase on wheels.

Police waited for family of the girl to come forward yesterday before making their appeal for information.

The shock abandonment comes after a baby was left on the steps of Dandenong Hospital earlier this year.

Anyone who can assist in identifying Pumpkin is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.