CHILDREN UNDER THE CARE OF FOSTER MOTHERS (Emotional and physical health)

Dr Koh Lam Son asked the Acting Minister for Health whether his Ministry is monitoring the emotional and physical health of children under the care of foster mothers.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, my Ministry does not monitor the emotional and physical health of children under the care of foster mothers.

11.10 am

[Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair]

Dr Koh Lam Son: Sir, would the Minister not think that since thousands of children are being looked after by foster mothers and baby-sitters while their mothers are out at work, it is important to study this problem, especially the emotional health of these children?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, the Member refers to a problem. In the experience of my Ministry's maternal and child health clinics, we have not come across any evidence of such a problem.

Dr Koh Lam Son: May I suggest to the Minister that when he comes across such a problem it may be too late for him to do anything about it.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, we do have a child development monitoring unit that monitors the physical development of children in primary schools. I will instruct my officers to study the data that we have collected from there and see whether there is any correlation between those children who have physical development problems and those who are being looked after by foster parents.