The practice of relinquishing interests and claims over one's offspring with the intent of
never again resuming or reasserting them. Causes include many social and cultural factors as well as
mental illness. An abandoned child is called a foundling (as opposed to a runaway or an orphan). Baby dumping refers to parents (
generally mothers) abandoning or discarding a child younger than 12 months in a public or private place with the intent of disposing it.