Press Room

Nov 25, 2011
Juvenile Delinquency & Youths-at-risk media queries

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juveniles & youths-at-risk

Query on the relocation of the Singapore Boys' Hostel

Reply from MCYS Singapore
Issued on 25 November 2011

The Singapore Boys’ Hostel is an Approved Institution to cater to young male probationers (below 16 years old). These boys are placed on probation by the Juvenile Court with a condition of residence in the hostel. Unlike the Singapore Boys’ Home which serves to rehabilitate juvenile offenders with a high-risk of offending, the hostel is for lower-risk young offenders placed on probation in the community. Hostel residency provides structure and an environment conducive for their rehabilitation journey.

The Hostel, with a capacity of 80 was relocated from Jurong West to McNair Road on 9 Sep 11 to facilitate the redevelopment of the Singapore Boys’ Home. The hostel and the residents had integrated well with the community when it was operating at Jurong West. The McNair site was chosen for its accessibility to services, central location and size of the facility which facilitates the probationers attending school and programmes at agencies in the community. Being part of the residential neighbourhood would also enable the hostel to foster partnerships with community agencies for community service placements and recreation opportunities which can be mutually beneficial for residents and the probationers.

These probationers are supervised by Probation Officers as well as caseworkers in the hostel. During their stay at the hostel, they continue to attend school daily, undergo specially designed programmes for their rehabilitation and are counselled to improve their lives. They also perform community service at agencies which serve the needy. With proper guidance and care from family and the community; many young probationers turn their lives around.

The hostel has a system of managing the timing of when the residents leave or return to the hostel. All youths are expected to follow the rules which ensure that they reach their school and return to the hostel promptly. The youths are also not allowed to leave the Hostel without approval. The youths are expected to maintain discipline and exercise social responsibility as they go about their daily routines.

The understanding and acceptance of these young probationers would contribute significantly to their journey of change to become socially responsible members of our society. The Singapore Boys’ Hostel welcomes residents who wish to come forward as volunteers to serve as sports/games coaches, tutors or befrienders to the boys. The hostel will continue to work closely with the grassroots leaders to integrate the youth as part of the neighbourhood. We hope that together we can transform these young lives and create an inclusive society for all.

To involve our caring community in the provision of social services, MCYS appoints a Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO) to operate the relocated boys hostel. This is similar to how the ministry funds and supports other social services. TRYBE Ltd (pronounced as ‘tribe’), a VWO with many years of experience in youth-work and commitment in engaging the community to build strong relationship with youth was appointed as the managing agent for the boys’ hostel through a tender process.
Query on new schemes for youth-at-risk

Reply from MCYS Singapore
Issued on 14 October 2011

The inter-ministry Central Youth Guidance Office (CYGO) has launched three initiatives this year to strengthen early intervention on youth-at-risk, including rolling out a pilot youth guidance programme (Youth Go! Programme), as well as developing an inter-agency youth information system and a youth guidance support system. The initiatives will be carried out under the purview of the National Committee on Youth Guidance and Rehabilitation. You may wish to find out more at http://app1.mcys.gov.sg/PressRoom/Newyouthguidanceprogramme.aspx

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DATE PUBLISHED: Wednesday, February 01, 2012

LAST REVIEWED: Tuesday, May 15, 2012

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