Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether more awareness can be raised and greater facilitation can be given to assist in meeting the specific needs of homes for orphans and vulnerable youth by informing the public as to the specific items are needed by the homes.
Answer
Children and youth who require care, protection or rehabilitation may stay in licensed Children and Young Persons (CYP) Homes operated by social service agencies.
2 CYP Homes utilise various platforms to raise awareness and seek assistance from the public to meet their needs for donations, volunteers and other forms of support. There are many opportunities for members of the public to step forward to support the Homes. For example, some CYP Homes reach out via their own Facebook pages, websites and newsletters. Some also use centralised platforms, such as the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre’s (NVPC) website at www.giving.sg, which matches volunteers and donors with the needs in the community. In addition, social service agencies operating the CYP Homes may hold donation drives and tap on community networks to request for resources needed by the Homes.
3 During the COVID-19 Circuit Breaker in 2020, MSF helped to facilitate the channelling of donations of surgical masks from MSF’s partners to the Homes. MSF also supported the Homes as they adjusted to Safe Management Measures.
4 More are welcomed to join the Homes’ current pool of volunteers and donors. We encourage all who are interested to volunteer or donate to reach out to the Homes, or visit www.volunteer.sg or NVPC’s website at www.giving.sg. Those who would like to donate in support of community programmes can also visit Community Chest at www.comchest.gov.sg. Everyone can play a part and contribute to care for those in need – this is the spirit of SG Cares.