Debated in Parliament on 11 Jan 2022.
Ms Hany Soh asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the total number of cases lodged with the Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents over the past three years; (b) of which, how many of these cases (i) managed to reach an amicable resolution at the mediation stage (ii) were subsequently referred to the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents or (iii) were referred to seek assistance from other community resources, respectively; and (c) what are the types of assistance rendered.
From January 2019 to September 2021, there were 317 cases lodged with the Office of the Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents (CMP). Of these, 289 cases (91%) were resolved at CMP while the remaining 28 cases (9%) were referred to the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents at the point when conciliation was completed. Out of the 317 cases lodged, 48 cases (15%) were referred for financial assistance.
CMP has also referred elderly parents and/or their children for social and emotional support at Family Service Centres (FSCs), counselling and other social support agencies but has not tracked the data before September 2021. From September to December 2021, five cases were referred for counselling services.
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