REGIONAL SHELTER-CUM-DROP-IN FACILITIES FOR TROUBLED TEENS AND CHILDREN

Ms Braema Mathiaparanam asked the Acting Minister for Community Development and Sports if he will consider setting up regional shelter-cum-drop-in short stay facilities for troubled teens or children to give them respite care or to help parents who need such temporary refuge for their children.

The Acting Minister for Community Development and Sports (Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim): Sir, the Ministry adopts a multi-pronged approach in helping families and individuals. Troubled teens who may need shelter can approach any social work agency, Family Service Centre, children's home, or their school counsellor. The agencies function as a form of drop-in for troubled teens who require a listening ear, or advice, as they are open to all who need help. These are located all over the island and are easily accessible.

Shelters for teens and children are currently provided by homes for children and young persons. Depending on the circumstances, the social worker or counsellor will determine the most suitable facility for short term stay. A few shelters, such as the Teen Challenge Youth Centre, the Andrew and Grace Home, The Tent and the Pertapis Centre for Women and Girls, focus on young persons who need time away from their family while they get help with the issues that trouble them.

In addressing the issues that trouble teens, the social workers will always engage the family in counselling therapy and as part of the effort to find a long term solution. The teenage years can be a difficult time for young people and we will continue to work with the schools, social service agencies and families to reach out to young people who may need help. We would encourage young people and parents to come forward for help early and not wait till things are so bad that they need to run away from home to seek shelter. Should they need to do so, they can approach or drop in at any social work agency, or call the Family Service Centre hotline, or the Tinkle Friend hotline.

The availability of the above homes and the various community resources like social service agencies, Family Service Centre, school counsellors and helplines serve as strategic contact points for teens who may require assistance. For teens who have intention to stay away from home or are beyond parental control, the setting up of specific drop-in centres may not serve the intended purpose of attracting them as they are more likely to stay with their friends. Our message to teens is that they can get help by speaking to a pastoral care teacher, or a social worker.