Support for Children whose Parents or Caregivers are Embroiled in Drug-related Offences

66 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what are the available support or intervention programmes for children whose parents or caregivers are embroiled in drug-related offences; and (b) whether the children’s mental health, physical needs and academic outcomes are tracked and followed up by these programmes.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: A whole-of-society approach is taken to support families in need, including those impacted by offending or incarceration. Such families can access a range of social support, including ComCare financial assistance from MSF and socio-emotional and educational support from community partners.

At the point of arrest, law enforcement agencies will check if the accused person has any children who require immediate childcare arrangements and ensure that suitable caregivers are identified to care for the children where needed. If there are child protection concerns (for example, abuse or neglect), the law enforcement agencies will alert MSF’s Child Protective Service who will step in as needed to ensure the safety and welfare of the children.

If the investigators identify other social needs, such as the children’s emotional distress or lack of supervision due to the absence of the parent/caregiver, a referral will be made to the Family Service Centres (FSCs). The FSCs will coordinate intervention and support across different agencies, including the schools and youth centres, depending on the family’s needs. The support provided could include counselling the children, helping them develop problem-solving skills and keeping them meaningfully engaged in their studies or work. Mentoring can also provide the children with positive role models in the absence of an adult/parental figure.

Where financial assistance is needed, law enforcement agencies, FSCs and any touchpoint agencies whom the family is known to can link up with the Social Service Offices so that the families can be provided financial support for their basic living expenses.

Schools provide a nurturing and supportive environment where students (including those facing family stressors due to parental offending) are provided with social, emotional and learning support. Students can share their concerns and problems with their teachers or school counsellor and seek help. The teachers would look out for any change in the behaviour of the students and follow up with the students or parents when there is a cause for concern. Those without a conducive home environment are supported through after-school care and engagement, with Student Care Centres at every Primary school and the GEAR-UP programme in Secondary schools.

The Singapore Prison Service has also put in place measures to support inmates and their families. New inmates are encouraged to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Community Project where volunteers reach out to and support their families and link them up with various social support and community programmes such as study programmes for the children.

Prisons also collaborates widely with community partners specialising in children’s work. For instance, The Salvation Army, Industrial & Services Co-operative Society Ltd and The Singapore Children’s Society run initiatives like Kids-in-Play, Fairy Godparent and Project Relate, which are targeted at inmates and families-in-need, especially those involving children. The children are also supported through counselling, bursary awards, tuition assistance and family bonding programmes.