A Guide To Youth Work In Singapore

a guide to youth work in s’pore

{ who are youth? } It’s not a silly question to ask. The definition of youth varies from country to country (see www.nyc.gov.sg/research/youthdefinition.asp), and in Singapore, the official range is 15-30 years old, while the age

This volunteer-intiated guide serves as a repository of publicly-

of majority is 21.

available information about programmes for youths-at-risk in Singapore. It does not provide information on programmes for

But for the purposes of this guide, we’re limiting it to 13-19 years old,

mainstream youth, youth who have entered the juvenile justice

which covers those who are old enough to enter secondary schools,

system, or youth with disabilities.

junior colleges, ITEs, polytechnics and vocational schools. School personnel, caregivers and youth

{ youth-at-risk? }

workers can use this as an information and referral tool; enabling them to make informed choices about relevant services for the youth

This refers to a group of youth who display gateway behaviours or have psychosocial/environmental stressors which may lead to emotional problems, dropping out of school, or even delinquency. Not all youth workers like this term though – some prefer “exuberant youth” or “youth on the brink of success”.

they work with. As programme information may change, websites and contact numbers are given for independent verification. The most current version of this guide is available for download from the Youth Work SG network (groups.yahoo.com/groups/YouthWorkSG/). For more information, contact Jared at [email protected]

{ if you don’t know where to start } This is assuming, of course, that the youth you’re working with doesn’t have a life-threatening emergency (call 999 for that). A good place to start is to simply call ComCare Call at 1800-222-00000. You’’ll be put in touch with a live person on the other end of the line who can direct you to a relevant service. This is a 24/7 service.

{ youth with family issues }

b) Single Parent Family Centres If your youth comes from a single-parent family, there are 2 specialised agencies that you can approach: As-Salaam PPIS

a) Family Service Centres (FSCs) Most youth will have some kind of family support system, and if the issue is linked into larger family dynamics, then FSCs are in a better position to help. FSCs are set up to be the first-stop centre for a variety of social service issues (including youth issues). In essence, they’re like the social service equivalent of the GPs we go to when we have the flu. And if it’s a bit beyond their scope of work, they’ll be able to refer you to a specialist agency. Each FSC may have its own Preventive and Development Programmes (PDPs), but these are usually designed for youth within their service boundary. And if you need a FSC which caters specifically to Malay or Indian families (PPIS-Jurong or SINDA FSC respectively), you can find the entire contact list of FSCs at http://app.mcys.gov.sg/web/faml_supfaml_familyservicesctr.asp#1

Family Support Centre (for Malay-speaking and/or Muslims who have gone through death or divorce) and HELP Family Service Centre. Agency

Website / E-mail

Contact

As-Salaam PPIS

http://web.ppis.sg/2009/02/

6745 5862

Family Support

as-salaam/ / enquiry@as-

Centre

salaamppis.org

HELP Family

www.helpfsc.org.sg /

Service Centre

[email protected]

Children’s Society /

http://www.childrensociety.o

SPECTRUM

rg.sg/services/remedial.htm

6457 5188

They have a range of programmes to support the various needs of single parents and their children. As-Salaam, for example, runs the Remarriages and Stepfamilies Programme, for reconstituted families. HELP runs Rainbow, a peer support programme, as well as the Big Brother Big Sister Programme, where volunteers are each paired with a youth, to provide a positive role model and give support and guidance.

{ youth with school expenses }

b) MOE Financial Assistance Scheme The Ministry of Education provides financial assistance to needy

a) The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund

Singapore Citizen pupils in Government or Government-Aided schools.

This is a Straits Times charity project which aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by parents in providing for their children's

It also provides subsidy for school fees to Singapore Citizen pupils

education. The funds will also help children who are already facing

from lower-income and middle income families in Independent

difficulties in remaining in school to stay on.

schools, except Singapore Sports School, NorthLight School and School Of The Arts which have their own schemes to provide

The quantum of assistance per month is $45 for primary school

financial assistance to their pupils.

students and $80 for secondary school students. Disbursing agencies include FSCs, Special Education/Vocational Schools,

Full details on income limits and quantums of assistance can be

Disability VWOs and Children’s Homes.

found at www.moe.gov.sg/initiatives/financial-assistance/

Criteria:

Pupils who wish to apply for the scheme can obtain the application

a) Singapore citizen or PR

form from their schools. They are to submit the application form

b) Full-time student studying in mainstream school, special education

together with the relevant documents to their schools.

school, SADeaf Vocational School for the Handicapped or religious school.

c) Lunchbox Fund

c) Age 16 years and below, except special schools

The Lunch Box fund is a cash gift from the Student Advisory Centre

d) Living in HDB 4-room flats or smaller.

to children from poor and needy families. Primary School students

e) Per cap income $450 per household member per month

are provided S$1 a day and Secondary school students at S$1.50 a day. Once the funds are available, the centre generally sponsors the

Source:

children for one entire academic year.

www.straitstimes.com/School+Pocket+Money+Fund/About+SPMF/A bout+SPMF.html

Source: http://www.studentadvisory.org.sg/menulinks/programmes/lunch-box-fund/

{ youth who are in school}

b) STEP-UP (School social work To Empower Pupils to Utilise their Potential) & School Social

a) School Counsellors

Work

The counselling services in school are organised in a tiered system,

STEP-UP is the core programme for school social work in Singapore.

beginning with first level intervention by teachers.

It’s a holistic programme which targets students at risk of dropping out of school, anti-social behaviours and delinquency. It also works

If the intervention is unsuccessful or for cases requiring more

with their parents and primary caregivers, as well as their teachers

specialised attention, referral is made by teachers to the Teacher

and school management. For more information on STEP-UP, please

Counsellors, Part Time School Counsellors, Full Time School

visit app.mcys.gov.sg/web/youth_stepup.asp

Counsellors (FTSCs) or external counsellors employed by the school. For a good overview to the development, theoretical underpinnings FTSCs work closely with the school management in setting up school

and historical background of social work in Singapore, read A Guide

counselling services to students and providing case consultations to

to School Social Work (2007 Edition), available from

school personnel and parents.

www.ncss.org.sg/documents/Guide_School_Social_Work_2007.pdf

Pupils requiring more intense intervention are referred to MOE

c) Restorative Practices Singapore

Guidance Specialists or professional agencies, such as the Child Guidance Clinic.

RP Singapore is a provider of Restorative Practices/Justice training and support in Singapore. They have teamed up with top restorative

Source: http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/socialemotional-learning/counselling/

practitioners like Mr David Vinegrad, Ms Peta Blood, Ms Margaret Thorsborne and Ms Jan Grant, alongside a pool of local practioners to support schools, community and workplaces. Over 40 schools have embraced the philosophy /ideas & tools of RP to build relationships and manage disruptions (discipline) in the classroom. Source: www.rpsingapore.org

{ youth before & after school}

{ youth who are online }

a) Student Care Centres

Agency /

Services

Website

Programme SCCs provide care and supervision to school-going children aged 7

TOUCH

E-sports competitions,

www.planetcrush.o

(Primary 1) to 14 years (Secondary 2). It aims to supervise

Community

healthy gaming groups,

rg

homework, play, enrichment and recreational activities for school-age

Services / CRuSH

cyber-wellness

children before or after school to enhance their wholesome

programmes, cognitive

development. SCCs reassure working parents that their school-

behaviour therapy

going children are well cared for while they are at work.

Source: app.mcys.gov.sg/web/faml_nurture_studentcare.asp

Project 180 (Fei

Integrated blog and e-

Yue Community

counselling

Services) / eGen Marine Parade

Student Care Fee Assistance is provided for children from families

FSC / metoyou

whose household income is below $2,500 per month. SCFA is

Cyber Counselling

available on a sliding scale based on household income level. It

Youth Advolution

ranges from $42 to $150 per month per child. For details, visit

for Health /

http://www.cdc.org.sg/1169433071305/1162796276360.html

Audible Hearts

For a listing of SCCs, visit app.mcys.gov.sg/web/serv_dss_disability_main.asp?Services_Id=3

www.egen.sg

Online counselling

www.metoyou.org. sg

Online peer counselling

audiblehearts.yah. sg

{ youth who need counselling } Agency /

Services

Website

iGROW /

Counselling &

www.igrow.sg

Psychological

psychological services for

Services

youth

Programme

{ youth with bullying issues }

{ youth who need a mentor } Singapore has a National Youth Mentoring Plan, and these are some of the agencies that provide mentoring services.

Agency /

Services

Website

Programme

Agency / Programme

Services

Website

1. Students Care Service

For youths

www.mcys.gov.s

Children’s Society

Good resource for victims

www.bullyfreeca

2. Lutheran Community

completing their

g/MCDSFiles/Pr

/ Bully-Free

of bullying, as well as

mpaign.sg

Care Services

rehabilitation

ess/Articles/21-

Campaign

bullies and bystanders.

3. 4PM

programme in the

2007.pdf

Coalition Against

Research on bullying

www.hrtd.com.sg

4. City Care

Singapore Boys’

/CABCY/

5. AMP

Home or

6. Trybe

Singapore Girls’

/ PODZ Youth Mentoring

Home.

Bullying for Children & Youth Action Against

Counselling and advice

www.dontcyberb

Cyber Bullying

on how victims can

ully.com

resolve cyber-bullying.

{ youth who need someone to talk to }

BP International / Student

www.bpmentorin

Mentoring Programme

g.com

Malay Youth Literary

www.4pm.org.sg

Association (4PM) / bITE

/staticpgs/ourSer vices/bITE.html

Agency /

Services

Contact

Programme Touch Youth

For youths with problems

Services /

managing life issues

TOUCHline

Trybe / Life Coaching

1-year

www.trybe.org/A

Programme

programme on

bt_WhatWeDo.a

key principles for

spx

1800-3772252

successful living. Architects of Life

Providing training

www.architectsof

and opportunities

life.net

to mentor youth iGROW / Professional Youth Services

Mentor & youth coach training

www.igrow.sg

b) T-Net Clubs

{ drop-in centres }

The T-Net Club is a People’s Association subsidiary that provides developmental activities through its 8 drop-in centres, each with its

a) NUR

own special areas of interest. Members get to participate in creative

Integrated Programme for Troubled Teenagers (NUR) provides an

learning programmes, community services and sports activities.

integrated service for troubled teenagers (below 21 years old) who

Source: www.tnetclub.org.sg/index.html

require counselling. The NUR helpline (97777 687) assists callers to

T-Net Club

Location

work through their problems, is managed by PPIS Jurong FSC.

Ang Mo Kio

795 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1

Referrals will be made to any one of the 5 NUR Drop In Centres if the

Bedok

Blk 28, New Upper Changi Road, # 01-714

youth requires more intervention.

Bukit Merah

Blk 92, Henderson Road, #01-200

Geylang West

1205 Upper Boon Keng Road

MacPherson

Blk 808 Circuit Road

Marine Parade

Blk 35 Marine Crescent, #01-63

Sembawang

2125 Sembawang Road

Taman Jurong

1 Yung Sheng Road

Agency / NUR

Location

Tel

centre Al-Falah Mosque /

No.1 Cairnhill Place, #01-

NUR @ Orchard

01, Bideford Rd

Taman Bacaan /

Blk 672, Jalan Damai, #01-

NUR @ Bedok

25

Pertapis / NUR @

Blk 1, Joo Chiat Rd, #04-

Joo Chiat

1001, Joo Chiat Complex

Ain Society / NUR

Blk 235, Bukit Batok East

@ Bukit Batok East

Ave 3, #01-21

Clubilya / NUR @

Blk 107, Yishun Ring Road,

Yishun

#01-233

6235 3172

6741 7977

c) Project Cabin 6745 3969

Project CABIN is a school-based youth outreach project. Fully functional classrooms or containers are set up at secondary schools

6665 8130

to provide an alternative hangout place for youths to “hang out” after school hours. Activities are organised to engage the youth in

6757 3661

meaningful activities and positive interaction. The CABIN is run by a group of student CABIN Club members under

Source: www.mendaki.org.sg/content_files/Dept_AboutUS.htm

the guidance of teachers and social workers from Singapore Children’s Society. CABIN Club is a co-curricular activity in schools. Source: www.childrensociety.org.sg/services/developmental.htm

d) Other drop-in centres There’s a wide variety of drop-in centres scattered throughout Singapore. Do visit their respective websites to find out more about

Singapore

552 Jurong West

www.childrensociety.org.

Childrens’ Society /

St 42, #01-321

sg/services/development

Youth Centre

al.htm

(Jurong)

their features and facilities.

Catholic Welfare

Blk 166,

www.catholicwelfare.org.

Services /

Tampines St 12,

sg/projects/ptc.html

YouthReach

#01-357

Viriya Community

Blk 47,

www.viriya.org.sg/DREA

Services / Dreams

Bendemeer

MS/HOME.htm

@ Kolam Ayer

Road, #01-1479

Wesley Youth

105 Ganges

www.wesleymc.org/!main

Centre

Avenue

/content/view/279/171/

YMCA / Bukit Batok

Blk 212, Bukit

www.southwestcdc.org.s

Association / POD

Youth Development

Batok St 21, #01-

g/MungoBlobs/531/702/Y

Centre

Centre

225

MCABBYouthDevCentre.

Agency / Centre

Location

Website

Care Community

103 Lavender

www.carecom.org.sg/oo

Services Society /

Street, CarePoint

mph/

D'Den Care Corner /

Blk 158, Lor 1

www.carecorner.org.sg/s

Crossroad Youth

Toa Payoh, #01-

ervices_youth.htm

Centres

1522

City Harvest

Blk 136, Simei

www.chcsa.org.sg/youth.

Community Services

Street 1

htm

Tech Ghee Youth

Blk 346, Ang Mo

www.teckgheeyc.com/ab

Centre

Kio Ave 3, #01-

out/centre.html

2280 MCYC Community

Blk 153, Bukit Batok

Services Society

St 11 #04-284

New Life Youth Hub

419 Fajar Road,

www.newlife.org.sg/?p=s

#01-449

ection&sub=article&articl

www.mcyc.sg

egrppk=54&articlepk=72 Singapore

OnePeople.SG,

www.childrensociety.org.

Childrens’ Society /

381 Toa Payoh

sg/services/development

Round Box

Lor 1 #01-12

al.htm

pdf

40f6-87a2-

{ out-of-school youth }

c73c212eb0db

a) Youth Link Youth Link provides support to premature school-leavers (or OSYs) to guide them to return to the mainstream education system or transit to other meaningful pursuits, such as enrolling in vocational training, employment, or early enlistment in National Service (for males). Source:

b) Other OSY programmes Agency / OSY

Location

Website

Viriya Community

Blk 47, Bendemeer

www.viriya.org.sg/

Services / Dreams

Road, #01-1479

DREAMS/HOME.h

programme

http://app.mcys.gov.sg/web/corp_press_story.asp?szMod=corp&szS

@ Kolam Ayer

ubMod=press&qid=2294

Clubilya / Project Reach

Agency / Youth

Location

tm Blk 923 Yishun Central 1, #01-364, (Upper Level)

www.clubilya.org.s g/ProgrammesServ ices/tabid/55/Defau

Website

lt.aspx

Link programme Fei Yue Comm-

Blk 145, Simei Street 2,

www.fycs.org/index

Care Corner FSC

Blk 718, Woodlands

www.carecorner.or

unity Services /

#01-06

.cfm?GPID=50

(Admiralty) / X-

Ave 6, #01-658

g.sg/services_yout

Ray

Project 180 Malay Youth

Blk 606, Bedok

Literary Assoc-

Reservoir Road, #01-716

www.4pm.org.sg

iation (4PM) TOUCH Youth

Blk 162, Bukit Merah

www.tcs.org.sg

Limited

Central, #05-3555

Yayasan MEN-

Wisma MENDAKI, 51

www.mendaki.org.s

DAKI / Max Out

Kee Sun Avenue

g

YMCA / Project

Blk 892B, Woodlands

www.ymca.org.sg/

Bridge

Drive 50, #01-177

Web/main.aspx?ID =a510cee7-bfc6-

h.htm#crossroad

c) OSY Learning Centres

d) OSY vocational programmes

MCYS co-funds VWOs to administer Alternative Learning Centres for

These centres provide vocational training for OSYs.

OSYs who wish to continue pursuing their education. Agency / OSY

Location

Website

Source: app.mcys.gov.sg/web/corp_press_story.asp?sz

programme

Mod=corp&szSubMod=press&qid=2294

The Young

350, Alexandra

www.tyem.org/latestevents

Entrepreneur

Road, #03-02

.html

Agency / OSY

Location

Website

programme

Mastery / Project Youth

City Harvest

73 Bras Basah Road,

www.citycollege.ed

Regeneration

Community

NTUC Trade Union

u.sg/home/Home.a

(PYR) Project

Services / City

House, #07-01

spx

Evohub /

Blk 808 French

www.nus.edu.sg/enterprise

Scholarships

Road, Kitchener

/enterprisezone-

Complex #07-161

newsletter/MS%2008/Apr%

College TOUCH Comm-

Blk 162, Bukit Merah

www.tcs.org.sg/ser

unity Services /

Central, #05-3545

vice/st_youth/03.ph

2008/Unusual%20scholars

p?item=2

hip%20gives%20dropouts

TOUCH Youth Learning Centre

%20hope,%20Straits%20Ti mes,%207th%20April%202 008%20(Evohub).pdf Adrenalin

10 Anson Road

www.adrenalin.com.sg/Site

Events

#27-18

/Welcome.html

International Plaza

{ youth with substance abuse issues }

{ youth with gambling issues }

Agency / Programme

Services

Contact

Agency /

Institute of Mental

For individuals with various

www.nam

Programme

Health / National

addictions, including

s.org.sg/p

Addictions Management

substance behavioural

Service

Services

Contact

Care Corner

For those with a gambling

1800-6668668

age.aspx/

Counselling Centre

problem or know

addictions.

0/HOME

/ Gambling

someone who does

Singapore Anti-

For drug-abusers, their

1800-

Counselling Hotline

Narcotics

families and the general

7334444

Tanjong Pagar FSC

For those with a gambling

1800-XGAMBLE

Association / Hotline

public

/ Problem Gambling

problem or know

(1800-9426253)

Helpline

someone who does

MCYC Community

Docudrama, entitled

Services Society /

"False Hope"

Youth Gambling

Talk on gambling

Roadshow

Poster display

{ youth with smoking issues } Agency / Programme

Services

Contact

Health Promotion Board

For smokers below 18

6226 2049

/ Smoking Cessation

years.

www.mcyc.sg 65631641

Interactive computer games

Clinic Ang Mo Kio FSC

Provides youth with the

www.amkf

(Cheng San) / Brave

knowledge to quit smoking

sc.org.sg

Steps

while building in the

Agency /

motivation. Part of the

Programme

Youth Infinity programme.

{ youth who are suicidal } Services

Contact

Samaritans of

For anybody in crisis and

1800-2214444

Singapore (SOS)

persons with suicidal tendencies

{ youth with sexuality issues }

Reach FSC / “AltD” – Alternative

Agency /

Services

Website

Programme

Dateability

It's centered on the concept

www.reachfsc.

of preparing our youths to

com/youth.html

be 'dateable' youths i.e. youths who are empowered with the right principles,

Focus on the

Recognise the relationship

www.noapologi

attitudes and character,

Family Singapore

between love and sex

es.sg/

prepared and ready, before

Ltd / No Apologies

Consequences of

getting involved in any

premarital sexual activity

relationship.

Benefits of saving sex for marriage

* As the Ministry of Education has recently suspended external

Focus on the

Parent-Child Workshop

www.family.org

Family Singapore

School talks

.sg/default.asp

Ltd / Let’s Talk

x?go=article&a

About Sex

id=665

Oogachaga

Counselling and personal

www.oogacha

development for lesbian,

ga.com

gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning ("LGBTQ") individuals.

Ang Mo Kio FSC (Cheng San) / Youth Infinity

Various

www.amkfsc.or g

sexuality education programmes in school, this section is on hold.

{ girls with pregnancy issues }

{ youth with self-harming tendencies } There are no specific services targetting behaviours such as pack

Teenage mothers may require temporary accomodation from a crisis

slashing. However, the Child Guidance Clinic at the Institute for

shelter while they work out plans for their future and find employment

Mental Health does address such cases at the remedial level.

where necessary. However, the locations of these shelters are

Agency /

classified (so that potential abusers will not find it), and it is

Programme

necessary to seek a referral from a professional social worker in order to access these services.

Services

Website

Institute for

Psychological, psychiatric

www.imh.com.sg/

Mental Health /

and educational services

children_guide_cl

Child Guidance

for adolescents up to 19

inic.html

Clinic

years of age.

Singapore

Management of eating

www.sgh.com.sg/

www.babes.org.s

General Hospital /

disorders such as

Clinical-

(Beyond Social

g

Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa,

Departments-

Service)

SMS: 8111 3535

Programme

Bulimia Nervosa and

Centers/LIFE-

Binge-Eating Disorder.

Centre/services/P

Agency /

Services

Contact

Programme BABES

For teenagers with child

National

For those with pregnancy -

1800-MUM-TO-

Pregnancy

related problems or involved

BE, 1800-

ages/eating-

Helpline

in pregnancy crisis situations.

6868623

disorders.aspx Singapore

Support group for

www.samhealth.o

Sanctuary

Crisis pregnancy services,

www.sanctuaryho

Association for

patients recovering from

rg.sg/services.ph

House

emergency & pre-adoption

use.com.sg

Mental Health /

eating disorders.

p?s=14

infant care, solution-focused

Support for Eating

parenting workshops.

Disorders S’pore

1800-2837019

Singapore

Psycho-social recovery

www.samhealth.o

Association for

programme for children

rg.sg/services.ph

Mental Health /

and youths with mental

p?s=10

Youth Reach

health concerns.

{ youth with family violence issues }

{ youth who have incarcerated parents}

PAVe is a specialised service which focuses support to the whole family, therefore including victims, perpetrators and witnesses of

Agency /

family violence. The programmes encompass a continuum of

Programme

services starting with remedial services and moving into a preventive cum developmental model.

Agency /

Services

Contact

Centre for

For families facing

www.pavecentre.

Promoting

violence in need of

org.sg

Alternatives to

counselling and support

admin@pavecent

Violence (PAVe)

services

re.org.sg

Programme

6555 0390

Services

Contact

Life Community

Counselling, befriending,

www.life-

Services Society /

monthly food rations,

community.org/e

Friends of Youth

bursary, academic

n/OurServices/S

guidance.

vc-FOC.htm

{ pre-delinquent services } These services are for youth who have not yet committed a crime.

c) Streetwise Programme The StreetWise Programme offers youths identified as gang members by the Criminal Investigation Department a chance to turn

a) BeaconWorks Programme 6-month diversional rehabilitative programme is to help the youth and families stablise existing behaviour problems. Source: www.childrensociety.org.sg/services/remedial.htm

b) Justice Teen Quest Series of educational activities, such as quizzes, designed to teach societal and relationship values, to reinforce the need for respect for law and authority, and to raise public awareness of the juvenile justice process. Source: app.subcourts.gov.sg/juvenile/print.aspx?pageid=7523#3

around. SWP is an intensive 6-month rehabilitative programme that comprises casework, life skills training, academic and career guidance and recreational activities. Source: www.nygr.org.sg/pages/Intervening_delinquency.html

Agency

Address

Contact

Youth Guidance

Blk 804,

www.youthguidance.org.

Outreach Services

Woodlands St 81

sg/streetwise.htm

(Woodlands

#01-37

Centre)

Beyond Social

Blk 26 Jalan

www.beyond.org.sg/Stati

Services

Klinik, #01-42/52

cBeyond/Programs/ProgYouth.asp

Lakeside Family

Blk 516 Jurong

www.lakeside.org.sg/04y

Centre

West St 52, #01-

ouths/index.html

73 Teen Challenge

735 Choa Chu

www.teenchallenge.org.s

(Student Centre)

Kang Road

g/tcsc.htm