Young Children Found Unsupervised in Public Places Who Were Assessed To Be In Need of Care or Protection

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) in the past three years, how many cases of young children found unsupervised in public places were assessed as being in need of care or protection; and (b) what actions may be taken against parents or caregivers whose neglect endangers a child.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) does not track statistics specifically on young children found unsupervised in public places who were assessed as being in need of care or protection.

Where Police suspect that such cases may involve neglect, they would refer them to MSF for investigation. From 2022 to 2024, there was an average of 539 child neglect cases that required statutory intervention.

When a child is found to be at risk due to neglect, MSF's immediate priority is to ensure the child's safety. Where the child can remain safely at home, MSF, a Child Protection Specialist Centre or a Family Service Centre will first implement safety plans, monitor compliance and work with the family to improve parenting practices to ensure adequate care and safety of the child. Where required, parents or caregivers may be referred for counselling and other community-based support services to strengthen caregiving capacity. Where serious safety concerns are identified, MSF and the Police will take expedited action, including removal of the child and placing them in an alternative care arrangement if necessary. Where there is sufficient evidence that a parent or caregiver may have committed an offence, the case may be referred to the Police and prosecution may be considered.