Solitary Confinement for Young Persons Staying in State-run Homes
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song’s inquiry into the use and impact of solitary confinement on young persons in statutory care. Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M clarified that solitary confinement is not practiced, but residents aged 12 and above may be "separated" for safety and behavioral deterrence. On average, 80 youths were separated annually for four days over the past three years in bright rooms with constant staff communication. Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that youths undergo medical screenings and receive support from psychologists and guidance officers throughout the process. This practice serves as a "cool off" period to facilitate the rehabilitation and well-being of the young persons involved.
Transcript
61 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many young persons in homes under the Ministry’s statutory care have been placed in solitary confinement in each of the past 10 years; (b) what is the age of the youngest person in solitary confinement; (c) what is the average period of solitary confinement; and (d) whether the Ministry has studied the effect of solitary confinement on young persons for any detrimental impact on their neurodevelopment and well-being.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Member is mistaken. There is no such practice of solitary confinement of young persons under statutory care. To deter further serious misdemeanours by the child or young person (CYP), and also to protect the safety of the CYP and/or other residents, the law allows the person-in-charge of a home to separate a CYP from other residents. While youths undergoing separation are housed alone, they continue to attend programmes and receive visits.
Over the last three years, an annual average of 80 CYPs were separated from other residents in Ministry of Social and Family Development Youth Homes, that is, Singapore Boys’ and Girls’ Homes. The average duration of separation was four days. The law allows separation only if the CYP is 12 years old or older.
International research has shown that a short period of separation can help the CYP "cool off" after difficult incidents. Such separation, where needed, is done in a manner that has the safety and well-being of the CYPs as the primary consideration. The room where the CYP is separated in is bright and airy and the CYP always has a means of communication with the Home staff during the period of separation.
Prior to separating a CYP from other residents, the CYP is seen by a medical professional to ensure that he or she is physically and psychologically fit for separation. During the period of separation, the CYP is supported and engaged regularly by the staff of the Home, such as youth guidance officers, caseworkers and psychologists. After the period of separation, the CYP will continue to receive the necessary support and interventions needed to help him/her understand and address the underlying reasons for his/her behaviour. Such support enables the CYPs to complete their rehabilitation journey to become well-adjusted individuals.