Support for Children At Risk of Developmental Delays and Behavioural Issues Due To Ill Treatment by Caregivers

Ms Valerie Lee asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) in 2025, what is the number of children under the age of four who are at risk of developmental delays and behavioural issues due to ill treatment by their caregivers; and (b) whether the Anchor Programme piloted in KK Women's and Children's Hospital will be made available in other parts of Singapore to provide developmental and behavioural support to such children.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) does not track the number of children at risk of developmental delays and behavioural issues due to ill treatment by caregivers.

The Anchor Programme is an initiative of the KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), which sees children from across Singapore and is not geographically bound. The Protective Service works with KKH to ensure that the statutory intervention is coordinated with the interventions in KKH. We welcome other hospitals to consider similar programmes, if they see a need amongst their patients.