Hong Kong couple arrested for child neglect receive son’s birth certificate, face parental assessment

A Hong Kong couple arrested on suspicion of child neglect has been granted their infant son's birth certificate, but their ability to bring him home hinges on passing a parental assessment. Tsang Wai-bong and Kwan Pui-sin, parents of two-month-old Danny, collected the document on Sunday after initially refusing DNA tests to confirm their parentage.

According to Tsang, social workers will evaluate their suitability as parents, inspecting their living conditions at a hostel in Lai Chi Kok. If their accommodation is deemed inadequate, the government will assist in finding a suitable environment for raising the infant. Danny is currently under a child protection order, with the Social Welfare Department caring for him.

Concerns were raised after Danny had not received any medical check-ups since birth, which security chief Chris Tang cited as child neglect. The couple admitted to practicing "free births," an unassisted delivery method that carries significant risks, and had not registered their son's birth within the legally mandated 42 days. Their daughter, Lily, is already living with an adoptive family in Sweden after being removed from their care in December 2023 due to health concerns.

Despite the ongoing assessment, labor chief Chris Sun stated on Sunday that Danny is in good condition at a care home and that social workers are maintaining communication with the parents. The couple has authorized the government to share their DNA information with Swedish authorities.

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The social workers will assess our situation, including our ability to act as parents. If the social workers are satisfied with our performance and think that we are safe parents, we believe we can bring Danny home in no time.