Mom who abandoned newborn in Wheaton expected to be charged

Criminal charges have been approved against a 24-year-old woman who abandoned her newborn boy near a Wheaton home early Friday morning.

The mother, who is believed to be a Burmese immigrant, remained Saturday at an area hospital for treatment. She is expected to be released from the hospital, arrested and charged as early as Monday, DuPage County State's Attorney Joseph Birkett said.

He said details of the charges will be made known at that time.

The abandoned baby was found lying naked under a tree - umbilical cord still attached - about 7:45 a.m. Friday by a homeowner's dog on the 800 block of East Michigan Street. The infant apparently was outside for at least two hours before he was discovered and ultimately taken to Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.

By Saturday afternoon, the child's condition was upgraded from serious to fair - and his condition continues to improve, authorities said.

DuPage County prosecutors have filed a civil neglect petition in juvenile court to place the child in protective custody.

Once the baby can leave the hospital, he will be placed in foster care by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=300182"> Wheaton man finds abandoned baby; mother may be charged <span class="date">[06/12/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>