Latest news with #CAS
Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Straits Times
Money, housing and isolation the biggest struggles for youth leaving children's homes: Study
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Singapore has about 500 children in 19 residential homes. While most reunite with their families by the age of 21, around 30 are unable to do so each year. SINGAPORE - Earning money and finding a place to live are among the biggest concerns that young adults have when they age out of children's homes, according to a new report by two non-profit organisations. Released on July 23, the study by the Children's Aid Society (CAS) and Quantedge Foundation (Singapore) found that many young people also felt lonely after leaving the home, and had difficulties communicating and resolving conflict with housemates. The majority had, at most, ITE-level qualifications and a median monthly income of $800. The study found that many did not qualify for public housing due to age or marital status, while private rental was unaffordable. Researchers surveyed 10 residents from Melrose Home, which is run by CAS, and spoke to five CAS staff. Understanding the needs of such young people is crucial to offering better support, said Education Minister and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration Desmond Lee, who was the guest of honour at the study's launch at Capital Tower. Singapore has about 500 children in 19 residential homes. While most reunite with their families by the age of 21 – when they are required to leave the home – around 30 are unable to do so each year. For this group, the transition to independent living means they have to juggle education, finances, housing and the demands of living alone, often with limited support. Trauma is often a complicating factor. Residents at Melrose Home have an average Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) score of six out of 10 – or six potentially traumatic events in their lifetime. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Judge asks prosecution for more information on Kpods in first case involving etomidate-laced vapes Singapore Male victim of fatal Toa Payoh fire was known to keep many things, say residents Singapore 5 teens arrested for threatening boy with knife, 2 charged with causing hurt Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in Sport Saka the difference as Arsenal beat AC Milan at National Stadium Singapore Cyclist charged after allegedly hitting elderly pedestrian, killing him Singapore Over 1.15 million Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 have claimed SG60 vouchers Singapore Singapore Oceanarium will enhance tourism while supporting sustainability: Grace Fu In contrast, a 2020 study found that 63.9 per cent of Singaporeans report at least one ACE, and only 13 per cent have experienced three or more in their lifetime. In July 2024, the Ministry of Social and Family Development announced a scheme to provide greater support – including financial assistance – to young people aged 17 to 21 in children's homes who cannot go back to their families. These include those in school, undergoing training or internships, or serving national service. The support continues until they complete higher education or secure full-time employment. 'Strengthening our partnerships is key to amplifying and sustaining the impact of our good work,' said Mr Lee. '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.' Public agencies, community groups and philanthropic organisations can build on the findings to deepen collaboration. Businesses can provide funding, while social service agencies can match youth with seniors in co-living arrangements, Mr Lee suggested. Children's homes have also been stepping up support for these young people. In October 2024, The Straits Times reported that several homes had launched programmes to help youth secure jobs, housing and life skills. These include The Hearts Programme by Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home, which offers personalised transition plans, life skills training and housing assistance for those aged 13 and above. Education Minister Desmond Lee viewing a gallery at the launch of the study at Capital Tower on July 23. Also pictured with him is Children's Aid Society executive director Alvin Goh (foreground), and Quantedge Foundation CEO Xie Yao Quan (background). ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO Another such initiative is Thrive21+, run by CAS, which includes a transitional housing programme that was the basis for the new study. Launched in 2022, the three-year programme supports youth aged 17 and above as they prepare to leave care. It includes a year of in-home preparation, including financial management and housekeeping, followed by two years of support after they move out. Four people are currently in the programme, while four others have completed it. The study found that youth in CAS' housing programme made improvements in 14 out of 15 life skills categories, including money management, health, housing and legal knowledge. CAS executive director Alvin Goh said that when the housing programme was first launched, people hesitate to rent to four boys from a children's home. But once housing was secured, the boys could focus on school, work and reconnecting with their communities. Stable housing is just the beginning, Mr Goh said, adding that social capital is of equal importance. This includes having a support system and a sense of belonging. 'For that to happen, consistent support is key, so that the progress made during care doesn't unravel the moment they leave,' he said.
DW
14 hours ago
- Sport
- DW
Mali basketball whistleblower still fighting for justice – DW – 07/23/2025
A young basketball player is continuing to fight for justice four years after first speaking out about the sexual abuse of minors in Mali's women's national program. It is no small matter that Djelika "Mami" Tounkara has lost her anonymity. "I am afraid," Tounkara told DW. "Before my name went public, I had already received death threats. Now, I will need more protection, but I have never had any. So, even though I am afraid, I want to talk, to express myself because I want to protect others." Her name became public in a decision published by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in June, but her fight for justice began in 2021 when she rejected and then reported the sexual advances of her former head coach at the Malian Basketball Federation (FMBB). The coach was later charged, arrested and jailed in July 2021 for pedophilia, attempted rape and molestation of other victims. Shortly afterwards, the talented then-teenager lost her place in the squad for the U18/U19 World Cup in Hungary in August 2021, which she and her lawyers claim was direct retaliation for reporting abuse. "The federation (FMBB) tried to shut me up when I spoke up at the time," the now 21-year-old Tounkara said. "Even just for that, I didn't receive any support from FIBA (basketball's world governing body)." Tounkara also said that the threats made her feel that she had to leave the country for her own safety. Tounkara's decision to speak to DW came after yet another setback in her quest for FIBA to acknowledge the harm she has been subjected to for becoming a whistleblower. In its decision published last month, the CAS ruled it did not have jurisdiction to hear an appeal by Tounkara. Tounkara had turned to the CAS after years of seeking justice within numerous FIBA legal mechanisms as she sought remedy for opportunities denied to her. In August 2021, she filed a case with the FIBA Ethics Panel, claiming the FMBB had unfairly dropped her from the national team. A ruling was delayed by the deaths of three of the five members on the panel, leaving Tounkara the choice of either the two remaining members delivering a ruling or waiting until at least mid-2023 when new panel members would be appointed. Not wanting to wait, Tounkara took the decision to FIBA's Appeals Panel. It was after this was rejected in 2024, that her lawyers turned to CAS. "I'm disappointed that the CAS only focused on the technical details," she said. "FIBA still do not speak about my safety and the safety of the other girls in our country who were abused at the time. CAS believed me, but again they have not done anything to help me at the end." William Bock III, who signed on as one of Tounkara's lawyers in 2022, sees the CAS' decision to accept FIBA's request to rule the court does not have jurisdiction as a significant blow. "It's the most disappointing result I've ever had as a lawyer because of the enormity of the wrongs that 'Mami' has already experienced," Bock told DW. "We've spent four years trying to undo some of the harm that FIBA did by failing her and we're caught in their maze of internal legal processes that we may never get out of." This is because when the CAS ruled that it didn't have jurisdiction, it referred the case back to FIBA's Ethics Panel. Bock and Tounkara's other lawyers have worked pro bono for years seeking to remedy the opportunities they believe she was denied by not being allowed to participate in the 2021 U18/U19 World Cup. Her career was put on hold for over two years as the death threats she received in Mali confined her to her house and resulted in a significant deterioration of her mental health. "Mami's a young woman, but every year that goes by, she loses more of the opportunities that were taken away from her by not being able to participate at a very important point in her career," Bock said. "Especially in a world event that would have allowed her to be seen by scouts from the United States and around the world. She might have had a chance to have a much better basketball opportunity if FIBA had quickly realized that she was the subject of retaliation." Ahmar Maiga, the founder and executive director of the non-profit organization Young Players Protection Association in Africa – Mali (YPPA-Mali), was the first to report the abuse and remains skeptical about FIBA's genuine desire to help Tounkara. "She (Tounkara) spoke up and because of the truth, she paid a lot for that," Maiga said. "In her career and in her personal life. FIBA has always preferred business to safety. It is all about business and politics, and not about the safety of players." With the case being back at the FIBA Ethics Panel, there is no indication of when a decision on the player's appeal could be issued. Responding to a query from DW, FIBA simply confirmed that the CAS had referred the case back to the Ethics Panel. Despite being exhausted by the fight and in constant fear for her life, Tounkara remains resolute in continuing along her current path, not for the betterment of her life but for young girls hoping to follow their own basketball dreams in Mali. "I always hope for justice," she said. "For me, that justice would be a change that protects the youth and our little sisters in the future."
North Wales Chronicle
17 hours ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Crystal Palace to know European fate by August 11 after submitting appeal to CAS
The London club, who won last season's FA Cup, were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League after falling foul of UEFA's rules governing multi-club ownership. European football's governing body determined that as of March 1, American businessman John Textor had control or influence in Palace and French club Lyon. Where one or more club are found to have shared ownership, they cannot play in the same competition, and Lyon held on to the Europa League spot by virtue of their higher league position. Palace's place in the second-tier competition was taken by Nottingham Forest. The CAS issued a statement on Tuesday confirming it had received an appeal by Palace and would render an operative decision – without written reasons – on or before August 11. A date for the hearing has not yet been scheduled, the court said. The CAS confirmed Palace were seeking to take either Forest's or Lyon's place in the Europa League. Textor has agreed to sell his stake in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, but the move came too late to satisfy UEFA. Palace's prospects looked brighter when Lyon were relegated to France's second division by the country's football finance regulator. Lyon had reached a settlement with UEFA agreeing to be excluded from European competition if their appeal against that sanction failed, but they managed to overturn the initial decision and hold on to their top-flight place. The CAS said parties were currently exchanging written submissions. Palace fans have staged protests against the ruling, and club chairman Steve Parish told The Rest Is Football podcast last week: 'We are still fighting. There's an appeal process, so we go to CAS which is the court for arbitration and, you know, we're very hopeful. We think we've got great legal arguments. 'We don't think this is the right decision by any means. We know unequivocally that John didn't have decisive influence over the club. 'We know we proved that beyond all reasonable doubt because it's a fact.'
Rhyl Journal
21 hours ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Crystal Palace to know European fate by August 11 after submitting appeal to CAS
The London club, who won last season's FA Cup, were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League after falling foul of UEFA's rules governing multi-club ownership. European football's governing body determined that as of March 1, American businessman John Textor had control or influence in Palace and French club Lyon. Where one or more club are found to have shared ownership, they cannot play in the same competition, and Lyon held on to the Europa League spot by virtue of their higher league position. Palace's place in the second-tier competition was taken by Nottingham Forest. The CAS issued a statement on Tuesday confirming it had received an appeal by Palace and would render an operative decision – without written reasons – on or before August 11. A date for the hearing has not yet been scheduled, the court said. The CAS confirmed Palace were seeking to take either Forest's or Lyon's place in the Europa League. Textor has agreed to sell his stake in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, but the move came too late to satisfy UEFA. Palace's prospects looked brighter when Lyon were relegated to France's second division by the country's football finance regulator. Lyon had reached a settlement with UEFA agreeing to be excluded from European competition if their appeal against that sanction failed, but they managed to overturn the initial decision and hold on to their top-flight place. The CAS said parties were currently exchanging written submissions. Palace fans have staged protests against the ruling, and club chairman Steve Parish told The Rest Is Football podcast last week: 'We are still fighting. There's an appeal process, so we go to CAS which is the court for arbitration and, you know, we're very hopeful. We think we've got great legal arguments. 'We don't think this is the right decision by any means. We know unequivocally that John didn't have decisive influence over the club. 'We know we proved that beyond all reasonable doubt because it's a fact.'
South Wales Guardian
21 hours ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Crystal Palace to know European fate by August 11 after submitting appeal to CAS
The London club, who won last season's FA Cup, were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League after falling foul of UEFA's rules governing multi-club ownership. European football's governing body determined that as of March 1, American businessman John Textor had control or influence in Palace and French club Lyon. Where one or more club are found to have shared ownership, they cannot play in the same competition, and Lyon held on to the Europa League spot by virtue of their higher league position. Palace's place in the second-tier competition was taken by Nottingham Forest. The CAS issued a statement on Tuesday confirming it had received an appeal by Palace and would render an operative decision – without written reasons – on or before August 11. A date for the hearing has not yet been scheduled, the court said. The CAS confirmed Palace were seeking to take either Forest's or Lyon's place in the Europa League. Textor has agreed to sell his stake in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, but the move came too late to satisfy UEFA. Palace's prospects looked brighter when Lyon were relegated to France's second division by the country's football finance regulator. Lyon had reached a settlement with UEFA agreeing to be excluded from European competition if their appeal against that sanction failed, but they managed to overturn the initial decision and hold on to their top-flight place. The CAS said parties were currently exchanging written submissions. Palace fans have staged protests against the ruling, and club chairman Steve Parish told The Rest Is Football podcast last week: 'We are still fighting. There's an appeal process, so we go to CAS which is the court for arbitration and, you know, we're very hopeful. We think we've got great legal arguments. 'We don't think this is the right decision by any means. We know unequivocally that John didn't have decisive influence over the club. 'We know we proved that beyond all reasonable doubt because it's a fact.'
