Amadora child found abandoned on street by educators

A three-year-old child was found abandoned on a public street in Amadora, Portugal, by two early childhood educators. The educators, working at a nearby nursery, responded to the sound of persistent crying and discovered the child on the ground. A woman was reportedly seen walking away from the scene at the time.

The child was found with some injuries and bruises, though hospital assistance was not required. A witness reported that the woman may have struck the child in the head and thrown her to the ground before leaving. Authorities have since identified the mother, who later went to a police station to report her daughter missing.

Investigations reveal that the mother had contacted the Commission for the Protection of Children and Youth (CPCJ) earlier that morning to express an intention to abandon the child. The child was already under the supervision of the CPCJ with an active protection process. The child has been placed in the care of authorities and transferred to the CPCJ to determine appropriate housing solutions. While the mother has been identified, she has not been detained.