In late April, Nha Be Commune Police presented a birth certificate for a 22-month-old boy to Nguyen Phuong Linh, 37, from Hanoi, who is a defendant in a criminal case. The boy was subsequently transferred to a social protection facility for care.

Captain Nguyen Phan Nhat Anh, Deputy Chief of the Commune Police, vividly recalled the mother's teary eyes and choked voice as she held her child's birth certificate. For him and his colleagues, this was more than processing a criminal case; it was a race against time to establish an identity for a vulnerable, overlooked child.

A mother's heartfelt plea from behind bars

On 13/4, Nha Be Commune Police initiated an investigation into suspected property theft and illegal drug use. Among those involved was Linh, who was experiencing homelessness and living with her child, then over 22 months old.

During the investigation, the mother revealed that her child had never received a birth certificate, lacked a recognized father, and had no relatives available for care. The child possessed no personal identification documents.

"Facing her mistakes and impending sentence, the mother's sole wish was for her child to be placed in a social protection facility, ensuring care, education, and a brighter future," Captain Nguyen Phan Nhat Anh recounted.

The mother's urgent request for a name and a safe home for her child became a pressing concern for the Commune Police command. Without proper documentation, the child would be unable to access fundamental rights, including education and healthcare.

Nha Be Commune Police working with the mother. *Photo: Bao Tran*

Two weeks to trace records and secure a birth certificate for the unnamed child

Beyond the immediate criminal investigation, Nha Be Commune Police extended their efforts to facilitate the necessary legal procedures for the child.

The verification process began with virtually no information, as the mother lacked personal identification, clear residency details, and any birth records. The Commune Police collaborated with local authorities and Xuyen A Hospital in Cu Chi commune to obtain the child's birth certificate.

During this period, the unit convened emergency meetings to address each legal obstacle. Officers frequently traveled between Nha Be and Cu Chi, two districts approximately 50 km apart, to complete all required procedures as swiftly as possible.

From the initial receipt of the case to the child's handover on 29/4, all verification and documentation procedures were completed in under two weeks. The child was officially registered with the name Nguyen Hoang Thien Bao and issued a health insurance card.

Nha Be Commune Police then coordinated with local authorities to transfer the child to Thu Duc Youth Village for ongoing care and support.

Captain Nguyen Phan Nhat Anh hands the boy's birth certificate to the mother. *Photo: Bao Tran*

During the handover ceremony, Linh was visibly emotional, unable to hold back her tears. She expressed deep remorse for her past mistakes and conveyed gratitude to the police force for securing her child's documents and a safe place to live.

"We combat crime, but we never forget the human element," Captain Nhat Anh stated. "The sight of baby Thien Bao, now with a name and a birth certificate, stands as a testament to how the law can always align with human compassion."

By Quoc Thang - Bao Tran