Follow-up with Children from Vulnerable and Distressed Families Who Miss Childhood Development Screening Checks
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns support for children missing Childhood Developmental Screening (CDS) and whether non-attendance indicates neglect, as raised by Ms Joan Pereira. Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that non-attendance is not inherently a sign of neglect and may be due to factors like parental work commitments. He explained that ComLink+ coaches and preschool workers encourage attendance by bundling checks with vaccinations to support lower-income families. For suspected neglect, the Government utilizes community partners to monitor children and follows protocols to refer cases to the Child Protective Service. Additionally, reports of suspected abuse can be made through the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline to ensure child safety.
Transcript
78 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what support measures are in place to follow up on children from vulnerable and distressed families who miss their Childhood Developmental Screening (CDS) checks and whose parents or guardians are non-compliant; (b) whether the Ministry considers the non-attendance of CDS checks as an early sign of possible neglect or abuse; and (c) how does the Ministry investigate such suspected cases of neglect or abuse where families cannot be contacted.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Childhood Developmental Screening (CDS) serves to identify children at risk of developmental delay for early intervention. CDS is not compulsory but has been streamlined to be conducted together with recommended childhood vaccinations.
Not attending CDS, in itself, does not mean the child is vulnerable or that the child is at risk of neglect or abuse, as there could be other reasons for non-attendance, such as parental work commitments. ComLink+ family coaches and preschool outreach workers also work with lower-income families to encourage them to bring their children for recommended vaccinations and CDS checks can also be done at the same appointment.
The Government works with community partners, including health institutions and social service agencies, to watch out for signs of neglect or abuse. Protocols are in place for agencies to contact the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s Child Protective Service if such signs are detected. Community partners and members of the public can also call the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline to report suspected cases of neglect or abuse.