1,643 debates and bills about family & gender
Chua Kheng Wee Louis raised the question of whether parents could apply for Child Concession Cards online through the LifeSG app for delivery at home after verification. Chee Hong Tat clarified that all concession cards require in-person identity verification to ensure proper receipt. Currently, children under seven travel for free on public transport, and the cards are optional for those under 0.9 meters tall. Parents can obtain child concession cards for taller children under seven by applying and verifying in person at designated service counters. The Minister stated that moving to online applications wouldn't improve convenience as in-person checks remain necessary.
Jean See Jinli asked for data on the eligibility and claims submitted by freelancers and self-employed persons for government-paid leave schemes from 2019 to the present. Masagos Zulkifli provided estimates indicating an average eligibility of about 1,500 self-employed mothers and 4,100 fathers for maternity and paternity leave respectively, with claims averaging 1,000 and 1,200 annually. Additionally, approximately 31,100 and 25,300 were eligible for child care and extended child care leave, with claims averaging 5,400 and 1,400 respectively. The government is actively working to increase awareness and the take-up rate of these schemes through partnerships, publicity efforts, and targeted guidance for freelancers and self-employed individuals. Data for 2023 is still unavailable.
Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about the current status of children under Child Protection Services, including their care arrangements and eligibility for fostering. Masagos Zulkifli reported that approximately 1,150 children are under MSF's care, with 47% in foster care, 48% in children's homes, and 5% in MSF Youth Homes, stating that current capacity is sufficient. Special needs and logistical challenges can hinder immediate placement in foster care, and arrangements are made to support children's well-being in these cases. MSF actively encourages fostering through outreach efforts, including events like the annual Fostering Open House.
Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about the most commonly breached bond terms under Care and Protection Orders and cases that involve child removal by the Child Protective Service (CPS). Masagos Zulkifli identified the top three breaches as failing to attend counselling sessions, defaulting on safety plan reviews, and not cooperating with wellbeing check-ins. CPS typically addresses non-compliance by discussing consequences with parents and working to reinforce their commitments, leading to most parents ultimately meeting court order requirements. Child removal due to bond breaches is reported to be uncommon.
Louis Ng Kok Kwang questioned the Minister for Health about the cost changes for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments at public hospitals and private clinics over the past decade. Ong Ye Kung responded that the cost of IVF cycles at public Assisted Reproduction centres has risen by approximately 2% annually. The Ministry does not have data on IVF costs at private Assisted Reproduction centres.
Saktiandi Supaat raised several questions regarding gender representation in leadership roles, specifically asking for details about the percentage of female directors who are executive versus non-executive, the proportion of women in C-suite roles among the top 100 SGX-listed companies as of June 2024, and steps to address institutional factors causing gender inequality. Masagos Zulkifli reported that women's participation on boards of those companies stands at 25.3%, with 9.1% being Executive Directors and 90.9% Non-Executive Directors. The government, in collaboration with the Council for Board Diversity, is conducting a study on female C-suite representation and is committed to promoting workplace fairness through new legislation. Initiatives are also underway to encourage family-friendly workplace practices and increase female participation in STEM fields to support women's career aspirations and leadership development. Overall, a collective societal effort is emphasized to ensure inclusive workplaces and address gender biases.
The debate focused on the proposed amendments to the Child Development Co-Savings Act regarding parental leave and support for families in Singapore. The Minister for Social and Family Development emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing parental leave to support families and promote shared caregiving responsibilities. Key changes include doubling paid paternity leave to four weeks, introducing a new shared parental leave scheme, and providing protections against dismissal for fathers taking paternity leave. Members expressed their support for the Bill, while also raising concerns about cultural stigma, the need for greater employer support, and the rising cost of living affecting family planning decisions. Many urged further enhancements to childcare leave and better policies to ensure both parents can equally share caregiving responsibilities and feel supported in their roles.
Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked if there are plans to mandate support from healthcare facilities for single unwed mothers regarding prenatal and delivery health issues. Ong Ye Kung acknowledged the difficulties faced by single unwed mothers, highlighting that public hospitals offer comprehensive support through multidisciplinary teams, including medical assessments and counseling. He noted the proactive approach of hospitals in identifying at-risk mothers and connecting them with community support agencies. Both public and private healthcare systems provide equitable antenatal and postnatal care tailored to individual needs.
Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for statistics on children in need of care or protection and those committed to care providers over the past five years. Masagos Zulkifli reported that in 2023, there were fewer than 30 new cases investigated under the relevant section of the Children and Young Persons Act, with fewer than 10 cases resulting in court orders for alternative care. The Ministry does not have statistics for the previous years but anticipates similar trends.
Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked about programs to help parents recognize and respond to cyberbullying signs in younger children. Chan Chun Sing referred to a previous response regarding this topic published on November 11, 2024. He mentioned that details can be found in the official report concerning interventions for physical bullying and guidelines for parents.
Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked about existing services for female youths who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET), noting that about two-thirds of NEET youths are female. Masagos Zulkifli B M M reported that the NEET rate in Singapore is low at 4.1%, with most NEET statuses being temporary as youths transition between jobs or take breaks. Schools provide support through Education and Career Guidance (ECG) and various programs to help students explore career paths. NEET youths can access employment support and reskilling opportunities through Workforce Singapore and other career services. The government offers additional support for NEET youths facing complex issues, including family conflicts and mental health needs, through various youth support programs and community services.
Assoc Prof Jamus Lim asked about the share of foreign mothers with Singaporean children on Long-Term Visit Passes (LTVPs) after eight years of marriage, and whether the government plans to assist them in obtaining Singapore Citizenship or Permanent Residency (PR). K Shanmugam responded that as of June 2024, 7.5% of LTVP holders who were foreign spouses of Singaporeans were foreign mothers married for at least eight years. He explained that PR and citizenship applications from foreign spouses are assessed based on various criteria, including marriage length and the presence of children. Foreign spouses who do not qualify for PR can still apply for LTVP or LTVP+ to remain in Singapore.
Yeo Wan Ling inquired about the progress of the pilot program for infant childminding services, which is set to launch in December 2024 for three years. Minister of State Sun Xueling confirmed that the Early Childhood Development Agency is finalizing the details and will provide information on operators and application processes soon. Yeo asked about outreach plans to promote the service as a viable work option for women and the success indicators for the pilot, specifically regarding childminder-to-infant ratios. Sun clarified that a successful endpoint would involve strong participation from parents and a sustainable supply of childminders, aiming for a ratio of one childminder per two or three infants.
Yeo Wan Ling raised concerns about the impact on families when childcare centres stop operating on Saturdays from January 2025 and asked if affected businesses have been consulted. The Minister of State for Social and Family Development, Sun Xueling, explained that a survey showed over 99% of parents do not require Saturday childcare, allowing for preparations for this change, which aims to improve educators' working conditions. Yeo expressed the need for further engagement with SMEs before the change and requested updates on alternative childcare options. Melvin Yong highlighted concerns regarding increased workloads for educators on weekdays and advocated for a "right to disconnect" for them outside work hours. Sun assured that improving working conditions and productivity for early childhood educators remains a priority, and she would consider the feedback regarding disconnecting from work communications.
PAPERCUTS