Housing a critical issue for youth who age out of care
He admitted that the notion of not having a guaranteed place to sleep was a 'scary one'.
A Ministry of Social and Family Development report in 2024 indicated that around 500 children and adolescents in Singapore are in out-of-home residential care due to abuse or neglect.
While most eventually re-integrate with their families, a small number – around 30 a year – are unable to do so, and would age out into independent living by the time they turn 21 years old.
Cindy Ng, director of Melrose Home, Children's Aid Society (CAS), said: 'Thirty may seem like a small number, but each one represents a young person whose challenges ripple beyond themselves. As the years go by and this group grows, the impact – on their lives and the people around them – becomes even more significant. These are not isolated experiences; they shape our communities and ultimately, our society.'
Hence, the Thrive21+ was piloted in 2022 with partners such as CapitaLand Hope Foundation to support care leavers' transition into independent living was beneficial for this group of people, which includes Adam.
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle
Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself.
Sign Up
Sign Up
Thrive21+ is a three-year long programme for this group, termed as care leavers, aged 17 and above. The programme aims to help them develop in the areas of educational attainment, asset-building, employment and financial literacy, among other things.
The project consists of a year-long independent living preparation (year 1) and a two-year housing programme (years 2 and 3).
Under the housing programme, participants rent an apartment together and co-pay the living expenses for years 2 and 3 with the support of social workers.
'This is to reduce (the) cliff effect for the care leavers as they re-integrate into society,' Ng added.
Towards the end of the programme for the inaugural batch of beneficiaries, a survey was conducted by Quantedge Foundation (QFS), in collaboration with Children's Aid Society, of Thrive21+, with a focus on the housing initiative component.
Survey findings announced on Wednesday (Jul 23) suggested that the housing programme has helped participants attain life skills in several areas. Notable improvements were observed in categories such as money management, health and housing.
'Crucially, the initiative has cushioned some of the shocks that come with transitioning to independent living, providing safety and stability for participants to get their footing right. Not worrying about accommodation costs also allowed participants to pursue their interests and focus on work,' stated the survey, titled Where Reintegration Is Not An Option.
The research, 'the first of its kind in Singapore – asks a crucial question: What happens when a young person leaves care but doesn't yet have a stable place to live?' said Alvin Goh, executive director of Children's Aid Society.
Improving lives
One of the ways suggested that the participants' lives can improve is through housing.
The report stated that the dynamics of the free market often do not favour vulnerable individuals such as care leavers as they tend to have fewer resources and support systems. In a tight property market, landlords can afford to be selective, preferring tenants who have a track record of reliability.
Eight survey respondents indicated that they were earning money (including allowance from National Service), with the average monthly income being S$1,137, and the median being S$800. This means they could expect to spend around 48 to 69 per cent of their income on rent alone.
This makes the financial cost of renting the most significant barrier facing care leavers seeking to rent, noted CAS staff interviewees.
'This is because care leavers can expect to pay S$538 per person in rent in the open market, minimally. In comparison, renters can expect to pay around S$800, minimally, for co-living spaces. In line with expectations, the survey respondents were generally less confident about being able to rent a unit in the private market.'
The study said that to effectively facilitate the transition of care leavers into independent living, it is essential to facilitate access to stable housing. Both government and community organisations can play a role in this.
'This could involve facilitating access to public rental housing, providing longer-term stable financial assistance, and partnerships with private landlords to ensure care leavers are given a chance to rent,' it stated.
'The goal is to create a system that proactively facilitates housing stability for care leavers so that they are not completely subjected to the vagaries of the free market.'
Minister for Education Desmond Lee, who is also patron of the organisation, said: 'The study's findings show that the journey of care leavers is rarely straightforward, and we need a sustained effort across all of society to support them to overcome the challenges they face.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Hezbollah threatens to resume firing at Israel if it intensifies Lebanon action
The leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah warned on Tuesday that if Israel intensifies its military operations against his group, the Iran-backed armed faction will resume firing missiles toward Israel. Naim Kassem's comments came as Lebanon's Cabinet was meeting to discuss Hezbollah's disarmament. Beirut is under US pressure to disarm the group that recently fought a 14-month war with Israel and was left gravely weakened, with many of its political and military leaders dead. Since the war ended in November with a US-brokered ceasefire, Hezbollah officials have said the group will not discuss its disarmament until Israel withdraws from five hills it controls inside Lebanon and stops almost daily airstrikes that have killed or wounded hundreds of people, most of them Hezbollah members. Israel has accused Hezbollah of trying to rebuild its military capabilities. Israel's military has said the five locations in Lebanon provide vantage points or are located across from communities in northern Israel, where about 60,000 Israelis were displaced during the war. Since the ceasefire, Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for one attack on a disputed area along the border. In a televised speech on Tuesday, Kassem said Hezbollah rejects any timetable to hand over its weapons. 'Israel's interest is not to widen the aggression because if they expand, the resistance will defend, the army will defend and the people will defend,' he said. 'This defence will lead to the fall of missiles inside Israel.' Since the war ended, Hezbollah has withdrawn most of its fighters and weapons from the area along the border with Israel south of the Litani river. Last week, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated calls for Hezbollah to give up its weapons, angering the group's leadership. The ceasefire agreement left vague how Hezbollah's weapons and military facilities north of the Litani river should be treated, saying Lebanese authorities should dismantle unauthorised facilities starting with the area south of the river. Hezbollah maintains the deal covers only the area south of the Litani, while Israel and the US say it mandates disarmament of the group throughout Lebanon. Kassem said Hezbollah rejects a government vote over its weapons, saying such a decision should be unanimously backed by all Lebanese. 'No one can deprive Lebanon of its force to protect its sovereignty,' Kassem said. Hezbollah's weapons are a divisive issue among Lebanese, with some groups calling for its disarmament. The Israel-Hezbollah war started a day after the October 7 2023 Hamas-led attack against Israel from Gaza. It left more than 4,000 people dead and caused 11 billion dollars (£8.3 billion) of damage.
Yahoo
3 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Report – Basel Enter Race For Young Inter Milan Outcast
Swiss giants Basel have reportedly joined the race for Inter Milan misfit Tomas Palacios. According to Fabrizio Romano via FCInterNews, Basel have already established contact with the Nerazzurri to discuss terms. Despite signing Tomas Palacios only last summer, Inter have placed the 22-year-old on the market. Indeed, the Argentine defender has failed to meet expectations at San Siro. Therefore, the Serie A runners-up are keen to cash in on him by the end of the summer. Basel Take Interest in Inter Milan Flop Tomas Palacios MONZA, ITALY – MARCH 02: Nikola Vlasic of Torino is challenged by Tomas Palacios of Monza during the Serie A match between Monza and Torino at U-Power Stadium on March 02, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by) Inter paid Independiente Rivadavia around €6.5 million to sign Palacios last summer. However, after failing to secure regular first-team action in Milan, he joined Monza on a short-term loan in January. With the Biancorossi losing their Serie A status, Palacios has returned to base. But it should only be temporary. Indeed, Inter will listen to offers for their outcast, as they aim to raise cash for further reinforcements. Meanwhile, Basel would be happy to give Palacios the benefit of the doubt. They've already contacted Inter to make a loan bid. Now it's up to the Nerazzurri to decide.
Yahoo
3 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Report – Inter Milan Line Up Third Offer For Wantaway Atalanta Talisman
Inter Milan could soon make a new attempt to sign Ademola Lookman after Atalanta rejected their two previous offers. According to Adnkronos via FCInter1908, the Nerazzurri will present La Dea with a third bid for the Nigerian forward. Drawn-out talks between Atalanta and Inter have reached an impasse. Indeed, La Dea have been staunchly holding out for their €50 million asking price. On the other hand, the Nerazzurri's most generous proposal so far has barely reached €45 million.. Inter Milan Prepare Third Bid for Atalanta Ace Ademola Lookman BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 13: Ademola Lookman during the Serie A match between Atalanta and Bologna at Gewiss Stadium on April 13, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier) Backed by the player's desire to continue his career at San Siro, Inter are readying a decisive third offer. Ademola Lookman is already pressuring Atalanta to soften their stance. Indeed, he has refused to join the team for pre-season training. Furthermore, he has cleared out his locker and erased all traces of Atalanta from his social media accounts. However, the player's drastic measures may not be enough to persuade La Dea to change their stance. Only an offer in the region of €50 million would seal the deal.
