Parliamentary Questions
Questions answered by the Ministry at Parliamentary sittings. For media enquiries, please get in touch with our Communications Division.
Update on the Ministry's position on commercial for-profit surrogacy
Oct 7, 2019
Currently, Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) centres in Singapore are not allowed to provide surrogacy treatment. We are still carefully reviewing our position on surrogacy, bearing in mind the following considerations.
Number of Singaporeans and PRs who are suffering from food insecurity
Oct 7, 2019
Whilst the Ministry of Social and Family Development does not track the number of Singapore Residents specifically experiencing food insecurity, we support low-income households in a number of ways, including with their food-related needs.
Caregivers given Special Approval for higher subsidy support for infant care and childcare
Oct 7, 2019
Under Special Approval, eligible applicants who are not working or who are non-parent caregivers may receive the higher subsidy support that working mothers receive.
Number of children and young persons who enter a place of safety
Oct 7, 2019
Children and young persons (CYPs) in need of care or protection may be referred by MSF or ordered by the Youth Court to reside in places of safety under the Children and Young Persons Act.
Average amount of cash savings per household member for households who receive ComCare Assistance
Oct 7, 2019
In assessing ComCare applications for financial assistance, we examine applicants’ income, owned assets (including personal savings), and expenditure. Where applicants need assistance for their basic living needs, such assistance may take the form of cash assistance, assistance with their household bills, and referrals to other agencies for services such as family services and employment assistance.
Number of youth suicides, broken down into male and female youths, for the past two years.
Oct 7, 2019
The number of suicides involving 10- to 19-year-olds fluctuates from year to year.
Number of needy families currently paying less than $10 and $5 per child respectively for their full-day childcare services
Oct 7, 2019
Preschool expenses are a function of fees, less subsidies and financial assistance (if applicable). The Government is committed to ensure the affordability of preschools, especially for low-income families, through the following measures.
Preschool fee hikes and affordability
Oct 7, 2019
In 2020, 330, or 1 in 5 childcare
centres will be increasing their full-day childcare fees for Singapore Citizen
children. The other 1,200 childcare centres will not be adjusting their fees.
Divorce ruling to state which party is allowed to list child as occupier
Oct 7, 2019
Section 126 of the Women’s
Charter allows the Court to make a care and control order subject to any
conditions as it thinks fit to impose, including the place where the child is
to reside.
Details on the dead toddler recently found in Chin Swee Road
Oct 7, 2019
The National Family Violence Networking System
(NFVNS) was set-up by MSF to tighten partnerships amongst stakeholders such as
the Singapore Police Force, hospitals and Family Service Centres to support
individuals affected by family violence.