Braga mother investigated after children found alone

A woman has been placed under investigation in Braga, Portugal, after her two children, aged 3 and 15, were found alone in their home. The situation came to light early Wednesday morning when neighbors reported seeing the 3-year-old child crying outside their building.

Upon arrival, the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) found the 15-year-old sister at the residence. She informed authorities that their mother had been absent since the previous weekend and had only maintained contact via WhatsApp. The teenager stated she had briefly left the house to attempt to buy food, but returned when the local petrol station was closed.

The children were transported to the Hospital de Braga for medical evaluation. While both were found to be in good health, they have been placed under the care of Social Security. The mother has been formally charged with exposure or abandonment. The case is being monitored by the Public Ministry and the Commission for the Protection of Children and Young People (CPCJ).