Data on Parental Consent Cited as Barrier to Accessing Mental Health Services for Vulnerable Minors

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what data the Ministry holds on minors who cited parental consent requirements as a barrier to accessing mental health services in 2024 and 2025; and (b) how this barrier compares across minors from lower-income households, in out-of-home care or from households where family violence has occurred.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Ministry of Health (MOH) does not actively track the numbers requested by the Member. Nevertheless, parental consent is a barrier that may hinder minors' access to mental health services, especially when the parent may be one of the causes of the minor's mental distress. This is a concern that likely cuts across households of all income levels. MOH is currently developing guidelines to address this issue.