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Press Room Archive
Jan 17, 2012
Child Protection and Welfare media queries

for
Replies to Media Queries
topics
child abuse & protection

  1. Query on Children's Homes

    Reply from MCYS Spokesperson
    Issued on 17 January 2012

    1. On the specialist agency: are there more details on the agency, how big it will be, when it will be set up?
      MCYS: The details for the child protection specialist agency are still being finalized and more details will be provided when it is set up next year.
    2. Representatives to the inter-ministry work group: Possible to find out who they are?
      MCYS:  The representatives to the inter-ministry work group, renamed the Inter-Ministry Workgroup on Child Protection, reflect the new mandate and role of the workgroup beyond abuse to the protection of children. The Workgroup comprises key stakeholders such as representatives from the Policy and Operations Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Hospital Services Division of the Ministry of Health, the Attorney General Chambers, National Council of Social Service, and Voluntary Welfare Organizations.
    3. On abuse cases:
      - What happens to a child who has been found to be abused? Can I find out the process in which the child is helped, and the time taken for each stage of the process? Which organisations get involved to help? What sort of cases are high-risk, and what are medium-risk or low-risk ones? Who determines this?
      MCYS: The Child Protection Service (CPS) takes a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency approach in managing and assessing cases of children who have been abused or at risk of abuse. To form a network of care, CPS works with various government and community agencies such as schools, medical professionals, the police, family service centres, community development councils, and voluntary welfare organizations to provide assistance and support to the child and the family. This system also ensures that children at risk of abuse, or who have been allegedly abused are identified promptly. The various agencies would notify CPS whenever they encounter suspected cases of child abuse.

      Upon notification, CPS will initiate a thorough and holistic investigation and assessment into the case, focusing on the safety and care of both the child and the family. In some cases, before the investigation starts or during the investigation, the child may be placed in alternative safe care such as under relatives’ care, a foster home, or a children’s home due to the state of the child or concerns over the child’s safety . The preliminary investigation process would usually be completed within a month. Plans for intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of the child and any other family member would then be put into place.

      When a child is placed in alternative care, CPS will arrange for regular contact between the child, parents and other family members. In instances where there may be possible distress or anxiety faced by the child, CPS will seek a prior discussion with the parents before the commencement of contacts. Therapeutic and counselling help would also be provided for the child and the family. CPS encourages parental involvement in making decisions on the child’s care, and upon the child’s reintegration with the family, CPS will continue to work with the family and agencies to ensure his/her safety and well-being.

      Risk assessment is based on a multiplicity of risk and protective factors around the child and the family, and includes a consideration of the child’s vulnerability, the possibility of the perpetrator abusing the child again, and the presence of other family members or caregivers who are able to protect the child effectively. Risk assessment is also an on-going process as risk levels change as new and significant information emerge or events occur in the child’s and the family’s lives.

      Families who have difficulty coping with the care or management of their child or where there is a family crisis or stresses impacting on the care of the child should approach the nearest Family Service Centre (FSC) for help or call ComCare Call at 1800 222 0000. Should the public have any queries or concerns regarding child abuse, they can contact the Child Protection Service helpline at 1800 777 0000 for advice or report the matter at a Neighbourhood Police Centre.
    4. On children's homes, how many such homes are there in Singapore and how many children are in such homes now?
      MCYS: Children in need of care and protection may be admitted into 19 children’s homes which are run by voluntary welfare organizations. There are currently about 90 cases under a Care and Protection Order in the homes.
    5. Is there any particular "main" home that gets most of the children whether because of size or having more resources?
      MCYS: No. Children are referred to homes according to the suitability of the home to meet the child’s needs.
    6. Is there a waiting list for children to enter these homes?
      MCYS: The admission process of children to homes may occasionally require some time depending on the needs of the children and the capacity of the homes.
    7. Am I right in that a child who has reached the age of 18 has to leave the home? What efforts are made to help them after this? (Any follow-ups, or programmes for them to be involved in?)
      MCYS: It is not true that a child would have to leave the home once the child has reached the age of 18. As of 30 Nov 11, there are 55 young persons above 18 years old residing in the children’s homes. When a young person leaves the home, he/she will be reintegrated back to the family or into society, and where necessary, the young person will continue to receive support services from community agencies in terms of schooling or training, financial and other practical forms of support.
    8. In your reply to my queries it's mentioned: 55 residents older than 18 are living in children's homes --- which homes are these?
      MCYS: Homes which continue to care for residents older than 18 years old include Haven and HopeHouse.
    9. The reply also mentioned that there may be some waiting time for children before they find a children's home to take them. What is the average waiting time? (a matter of weeks or months?)
      MCYS: On average, it may take one to two weeks before placement of a child in a children’s home can occur.
    10. We heard that some homes may be overcapacity, manpower-wise and have had to turn away children right now. Is it true? Which homes are these?
      MCYS: Children are admitted to respective Homes based on the nature of case and the child’s needs. There may be occasions when certain homes are unable to admit a particular child due to lack of capacity till cases are discharged. Under such circumstances, the child in need of admission will be referred to another Home.
    11. Are hospitals used to hold some children till centres find space for them?
      MCYS: If the children were admitted to an hospital as part of the investigation process due to an allegation of abuse or neglect, the children would remain in the hospital until they can be placed in alternative care.
    12. Boys' Town is listed in the list of Homes for Children and Young Persons. Does it also serve as a general children's home or only for delinquents?
      MCYS: Boys’ Town admits children and young persons in need of care and/or support in a structured environment.
    13. For children aged 18 and older, do the children's homes continue to get the same kind of subsidies or support as they would for a resident who's a child? Also what's the usual subsidy or support that MCYS gives to homes per resident child?
      MCYS: MCYS provides per capita grant and Medical Fees Benefit Card to all eligible children in the Homes, which includes residents above 18 years old staying in the Homes under statutory requirements.
  2. Query on child abuse and children's homes

    Reply from MCYS Spokesperson
    Issued on 7 December 2011

    What is the procedure for child abuse cases that are reported?
    MCYS: Please view the details here.

    How many children's homes are there for child abuse victims - suspected or otherwise? Could you provide a list of the homes?
    MCYS: The a list of gazetted Children and Young Persons’ Homes which may/or may not be used for such specific accommodation purposes can be found here. 

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DATE PUBLISHED: Wednesday, January 25, 2012
LAST REVIEWED: Tuesday, May 15, 2012
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