GOVERNMENT-BACKED TRUST FUND SCHEME

GOVERNMENT-BACKED TRUST FUND SCHEME:

(Extension to the mentally ill): 7.

Mdm Halimah Yacob asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports whether his Ministry will consider extending the proposed Government-backed trust fund scheme to the mentally ill whose parents are equally concerned over their mentally ill children's well-being when they are no longer around.

The Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports (Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon) (for the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports): Mr Speaker, Sir, the trust will provide an option for parents to enhance the financial security of their child with disability, including those with mental disabilities. We are glad that the people sector has taken the lead to bring the scheme to fruition.

The trust scheme is in two parts: first, it has a financial component wherein parents leave money in a trust for their disabled beneficiaries. The Public Trustee will hold the monies and disburse them to the beneficiaries when the parents passed on. The second part allows parents to draw up a care plan for the beneficiaries. When the parents passed on, the monies in the trust will go towards executing the care plan for their beneficiaries. The trust company will ensure the monies are used in accordance with the care plan drawn up.

My Ministry will continue to support the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) as they move to set up the trust company by May this year.

Mdm Halimah Yacob: Sir, can I ask the Minister of State to also involve parents of children who are suffering from mental illness in the discussions as they are currently not included while those with other forms of disabilities are involved?

Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon: I think it is a good suggestion. We will take note of the suggestion.