Rehabilitation of Youth Offenders

Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin asked the Minister for Social and Family Development what state support is provided to rehabilitate youth offenders whose crimes may be the result of lapses in care for their personality disorders or other mental health issues.

Government agencies, including the Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore Prisons Service and Institute of Mental Health (IMH), work closely to support the rehabilitation of youth offenders with mental health issues. The key considerations in deciding on the appropriate support include the youth’s background and circumstances, risk of re-offending and mental state and well-being.

Youths on probation or in juvenile rehabilitation centres have access to support, including specialised treatment by psychiatrists and psychologists, therapeutic programmes and offence-specific programmes. To improve their socio-emotional well-being, the youths

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are usually also encouraged to participate in school, work or vocational training and other enrichment activities, such as sports or arts. Likewise, youths in prison with mental health issues are seen regularly by a team of doctors, including prison psychologists and psychiatrists. Where necessary, they are referred to IMH for further specialised treatment.

The Government agencies also work with the youth's family and larger community support network in his or her rehabilitation. For example, schools or voluntary welfare organisations, such as the Singapore Association of Mental Health, may be roped in to help monitor their progress and strengthen social support to them to prevent relapses.

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