DESTITUTE PERSONS ACT

DESTITUTE PERSONS ACT

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(Welfare homes): **

1.

Prof. Thio Li-ann asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (a) how many persons are currently required by a warrant issued by the Director of Social Welfare to reside in a welfare home under the terms of the Destitute Persons Act; (b) what steps are taken, if any, to help them become productive members of society; and (c) whether it is the norm for persons to be discharged from welfare homes after a period of residence and, if so, under what conditions.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Each year, about 180 persons are committed to the welfare homes under warrants issued by the Director of Social Welfare. This is done after social investigations have found them to be destitute.

When beggars or vagrants are picked up by or referred to MCYS, our first priority would be to investigate into their family background, and where possible help them to re-unite with their family. Only in situations where the person has no family, or where his family relations are severely estranged, will the person be deemed a destitute and committed to a welfare home.

The Welfare Homes provide shelter, meals, social activities, training and job assignments matched to the residents' capabilities. The Homes also assist residents lead independent lives and re-integrate into society, and where possible, help them to reunite with their families. Residents who can do simple chores will participate in work programmes where they will receive an allowance. The more able residents are given opportunities to go out and work during the day, to prepare them for eventual discharge from the Homes. Residents will be considered for discharge if they have caregivers who are able to take them or if they are able to find jobs and live independently. The social workers at the homes will provide the necessary assistance with housing or employment arrangements.

There are currently about 1,750 residents in the 10 welfare homes. About 85% of the residents are above 50 years old with psychiatric illnesses, disabilities, chronic medical problems, or are mentally unfit for work. Such conditions make it a challenge for them to be discharged. However, on average, 70 residents per year are discharged to live in the community. Those who are not discharged would remain in the welfare homes for long-term care or be transferred to nursing homes if their medical conditions deteriorate.

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