HOUSTON – A teenage mother has expressed interest in relinquishing her rights to her baby boy who was found abandoned in a dumpster in southwest Houston.
"Baby Carlos" was discovered in the dumpster in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 9900 block of Windmill Lakes on Feb. 25.
Baby Carlos is in the care of a foster family, who could potentially be his adoptive family.
Officials say he is doing well.
The baby is being cared by an unrelated family that the 16-year-old mother selected herself.
During Monday's hearing, caseworkers said the young mother expressed interest to relinquish her rights. The mother was not in court, but the hearing was attended by officials with Children's Protective Services, caseworkers and attorneys.
Also discussed during the hearing was the baby's father, a 22-year-old man, who authorities say is not cooperating with them. A DNA test has confirmed that the man is the biological father of Baby Carlos.
Officials say the father has not responded to any court orders, including requests to appear for family counseling.
The mother is attending counseling, according to officials.
Officials say they are beginning the procedures of adoption with Baby Carlos' foster family who desperately wants to have him as part of their family.
The next hearing is scheduled for May 12.