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Business Times
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Business Times
Housing a critical issue for youth who age out of care
[SINGAPORE] Adam (not his real name), was faced with the prospect of not having a home at the age of 21. 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.'
Straits Times
7 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.
