updated 1:50 p.m. PT, Thurs., March. 19, 2009

HOUSTON - Child Protective Services was granted emergency custody on Wednesday of a newborn who was found abandoned in an old dryer, KPRC Local 2 reported.

The baby girl was found wrapped in a towel inside a trash bag that was put in an old dryer at the Registry Apartments, 6111Winsome Lane near Greenridge Drive, on Tuesday at about 3 p.m.

The newborn was taken to Texas Children's Hospital, where she is listed in good condition.

The baby is black and weighed 6 pounds 12 ounces when found. The hospital's staff named her Mia.

CPS officials released a picture of the baby in hopes that a relative, family friend or anyone might recognize her.

The baby's umbilical cord was still attached. Police said they believe the baby was born sometime between Sunday and Tuesday.

Attorneys Gary Polland and Elizabeth Whyburn were appointed to represent the abandoned baby.

"This child was abandoned next to a Dumpster in an abandoned dryer that under the wrong circumstances could have been picked up by the refuse people and taken to a dump and that would have been the end," Polland said.

A hearing will be held on Thursday to determine if CPS should be granted permanent custody. If any relatives or the parents want the baby, they must appear in court and state why. The mother of the baby is not yet known.

CPS is expected to get permanent custody and place the baby in foster care and then up for adoption.

"The court is going to allow CPS to broadcast or put out the word this child is available for adoption. They anticipate lots of highly qualified (people) will come forward and want this child," Polland said.

Residents at the apartment complex said they do not remember seeing a pregnant woman.

Investigators said the baby is safe, but they are worried about her mother.

Rachid Benamir found the girl after hearing her cries.

"I didn't expect it's a baby," he said. "I thought it's like a newborn dog or cat, but then I saw a baby. It's something you don't see every day."

Texas has a "Baby Moses" law to protect infants who are not wanted or whose parents cannot care for them. The law gives parents the option to leave a child under 60 days old at a safe place, such as a hospital or fire station.

Emphasis added by H4K Editor