Reasons for Delay in Implementing 2019 Legislative Changes to Include Suspects Aged 16 and 17 Within Juvenile Justice System

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what are the reasons why the Youth Courts are still not ready to implement the legislative changes passed in 2019 to include youth suspects aged 16 and 17 within its juvenile justice system; and (b) what are the limitations that have contributed to this delay.

The extension of Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) Youth Home Orders to older youths aged 16 to below 18 cannot be implemented without considering infrastructure, programme and curriculum changes.

When the legislative changes are brought into effect, we expect to cater to 40% more youths in MSF's Youth Homes. Existing facilities have to be enhanced to accommodate older youths safely and without compromising the rehabilitation of the younger youths. Works also have to be carried out on a secure facility that continues to operate 24 hours a day and seven days a week. New rehabilitation programmes have to be designed or existing ones enhanced in order to provide effective intervention.

The older youths also have different education requirements, as most will be in the post-secondary phase. Facilities have to be prepared so that they can be offered an adequate range of academic and vocational offerings. MSF has been working with the Ministry of Education, Institute of Technical Education, polytechnics, SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore. We are making good progress and expect the legislative changes to come into effect in early 2025.