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Straits Times
6 days 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. 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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.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
NBC4 Sponsors 2025 ACEs, PACEs and Addiction Summit: ‘From Resilience to Action'
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — NBC4 is proud to sponsor the 2025 ACEs, PACEs and Addiction Summit, presented by Franklin County Public Health, on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the Quest Conference Center in Westerville, Ohio. This impactful, community-focused event addresses Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), promotes Protective and Compensatory Experiences (PACEs), and inspires proactive approaches to combat addiction and support healing across Franklin County. This year's theme, 'From Resilience to Action: Transforming ACEs Outcomes in Franklin County,' will guide a full day of education, collaboration, and empowerment among healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, community leaders, and advocates. NBC4 Today anchor Matt Barnes will serve as emcee for the event, to this vital community conversation. Date: Monday, July 21, 2025Time: 8 a.m. to 3:30 Quest Conference Center, 9200 Worthington Road, Westerville, Ohio 43082 Admission: Free (Registration required, click here to register) Attendees will hear from nationally recognized speakers, participate in expert-led sessions, and connect with local resources focused on building trauma-informed communities and systems of care. NBC4's sponsorship underscores its ongoing commitment to public health and advocacy work across Central Ohio. To learn more, visit the official summit page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Proposed cuts to the VA will limit health care access for veterans. They deserve better.
Soldiers from Fort Lee, Virginia, help mark Veterans Day ceremonies at the World War II Memorial on Nov. 11, 2011, in Washington, D.C. Veterans Day in the United States honors those who have served in the nation's military and also coincides with the anniversary of the conclusion of hostilities on the western front in World War I. () Our soldiers have endured unimaginable hardships and faced profound challenges, testing the very limits of human resilience and strength. When they arrive home, the trauma many veterans experience abroad comes with them, and the toll it takes on their mental health can be devastating without intervention. Veterans will face additional challenges if promises of massive U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs layoffs around the country and in Idaho go forward. Our veterans deserve better. Several Americans have protested cuts to the VA. Here in Boise at the VA campus, local community members have supported those protests, demonstrating just how important VA services are to Idaho veterans. Our communities are concerned about access to behavioral health care for our veterans and with good cause. Military veterans are 57.3% more likely to die by suicide than non-veteran U.S. adults. This stark statistic reveals the harsh reality that our service members face, particularly those living in rural areas like many veterans do in Idaho. Our state has one of the highest rates of rural military populations, and it has a higher rate of VA reliance for health care than the national average. The Trump administration aims to cut 83,000 jobs from Veterans Affairs. The VA is tasked with caring for our veterans who return home, it provides crucial medical and behavioral health services including telehealth services for our rural vets. At the Boise VA campus alone, we may lose 300 employees, and this is a VA that already lacks staff for the vets it serves. Veterans and active-duty military personnel face unique challenges. Reintegrating into civilian life, Adverse Childhood Experiences (or ACEs) and post-traumatic stress all can contribute to poor mental health outcomes for our nation's heroes. Many veterans shy away from seeking help due to stigma, barriers to care created by the isolation of rural living, or a lack of access to services, but the need is real. Veterans in rural areas often feel most comfortable accessing these services through the VA, a community that knows what they have gone through, specifically telehealth options which can allow access to behavioral health professionals working from home. Current changes by the administration have put into question these services, leaving our veterans uncertain about where they might find care in the future. In Idaho, one of the most pressing issues connected with this uncertainty is the disproportionate suicide rates among service members. Research consistently shows that veterans, especially those living in remote, rural regions — a common way of life in Idaho — are at greater risk of suicide. A lack of accessible mental health services can prevent veterans in need from receiving vital care. Furthermore, for patients at risk of suicide continuity of care, including consistent follow-ups with trusted health care providers is critical. Any threat to losing that continuity of care poses a significant danger, it is well known to be a key component of successful strategies to prevent suicide. Veterans health care provided by the VA removes barriers to care associated with insurance accessibility and affordability, and in many cases has been offered with telehealth options. However, any health services required outside of the VA falls on the service members to cover. If the VA's behavioral health services are disrupted in a way that jeopardizes telehealth for rural veterans, it not only creates a crisis in continuity of care but also establishes a significant barrier to access for many low-income veterans. For more information on the Idaho Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, go to For veterans who are unable to access mental health services through the VA, safety net options such as the Idaho free and charitable clinics are crucial. These clinics are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for continued care and support for our nation's heroes. In the meantime, they can provide health care to any Idahoan without health insurance including our former service members. To ensure the wellbeing of our nation's heroes, we must advocate for health care and behavioral health care as a basic human need, and work to improve and protect access to these services. Veterans and service members deserve the support and care necessary to thrive, both during and after their service. Idaho Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Proposed cuts to the VA will limit health care access for our Idaho veterans. They deserve better.
Soldiers from Fort Lee, Virginia, help mark Veterans Day ceremonies at the World War II Memorial on Nov. 11, 2011, in Washington, D.C. Veterans Day in the United States honors those who have served in the nation's military and also coincides with the anniversary of the conclusion of hostilities on the western front in World War I. () Our soldiers have endured unimaginable hardships and faced profound challenges, testing the very limits of human resilience and strength. When they arrive home, the trauma many veterans experience abroad comes with them, and the toll it takes on their mental health can be devastating without intervention. Veterans will face additional challenges if promises of massive U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs layoffs around the country and in Idaho go forward. Our veterans deserve better. Several Americans have protested cuts to the VA. Here in Boise at the VA campus, local community members have supported those protests, demonstrating just how important VA services are to Idaho veterans. Our communities are concerned about access to behavioral health care for our veterans and with good cause. Military veterans are 57.3% more likely to die by suicide than non-veteran U.S. adults. This stark statistic reveals the harsh reality that our service members face, particularly those living in rural areas like many veterans do here in Idaho. Our state has one of the highest rates of rural military populations, and it has a higher rate of VA reliance for health care than the national average. The Trump administration aims to cut 83,000 jobs from Veterans Affairs. The VA is tasked with caring for our veterans who return home, it provides crucial medical and behavioral health services including telehealth services for our rural vets. At the Boise VA campus alone, we may lose 300 employees, and this is a VA that already lacks staff for the vets it serves. Veterans and active-duty military personnel face unique challenges. Reintegrating into civilian life, Adverse Childhood Experiences (or ACEs) and post-traumatic stress all can contribute to poor mental health outcomes for our nation's heroes. Many veterans shy away from seeking help due to stigma, barriers to care created by the isolation of rural living, or a lack of access to services, but the need is real. Veterans in rural areas often feel most comfortable accessing these services through the VA, a community that knows what they have gone through, specifically telehealth options which can allow access to behavioral health professionals working from home. Current changes by the administration have put into question these services, leaving our veterans uncertain about where they might find care in the future. Here in Idaho, one of the most pressing issues connected with this uncertainty is the disproportionate suicide rates among service members. Research consistently shows that veterans, especially those living in remote, rural regions — a common way of life in Idaho — are at greater risk of suicide. A lack of accessible mental health services can prevent veterans in need from receiving vital care. Furthermore, for patients at risk of suicide continuity of care, including consistent follow-ups with trusted health care providers is critical. Any threat to losing that continuity of care poses a significant danger, it is well known to be a key component of successful strategies to prevent suicide. Veterans health care provided by the VA removes barriers to care associated with insurance accessibility and affordability, and in many cases has been offered with telehealth options. However, any health services required outside of the VA falls on the service members to cover. If the VA's behavioral health services are disrupted in a way that jeopardizes telehealth for rural veterans, it not only creates a crisis in continuity of care but also establishes a significant barrier to access for many low-income veterans. For more information on the Idaho Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, go to For veterans who are unable to access mental health services through the VA, safety net options such as the Idaho free and charitable clinics are crucial. These clinics are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for continued care and support for our nation's heroes. In the meantime, they can provide health care to any Idahoan without health insurance including our former service members. To ensure the wellbeing of our nation's heroes, we must advocate for health care and behavioral health care as a basic human need, and work to improve and protect access to these services. Veterans and service members deserve the support and care necessary to thrive, both during and after their service. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
