Update on Review into Making "Children-in-Between" Programme Mandatory

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether an update can be provided on the review into making the "Children-in-Between" programme which helps both parent and child cope better with the impact of the divorce, mandatory.

The Member's suggestion to make the "Children-in-Between" programme mandatory has been previously addressed during the second reading of the Women's Charter (Amendment) Bill on 10 January 2022. [Please refer to "Women's Charter (Amendment) Bill", Official Report, 10 January 2022, Vol 95, Issue 44, Second Reading Bills section.]

Our position remains that parents must assume primary responsibility for their children's well-being rather than have the Government mandate a programme for their children. In line with the position that parents must assume primary responsibility, the Mandatory Co-Parenting Programme has been extended to all parents with minor children filing for a divorce since 1 July 2024, to better support parents in making decisions that prioritise their children's well-being.