Identification, Needs Assessment and Structured Support Coverage for Children with Incarcerated Parents and Tracking of Coverage Rates

Mr Victor Lye asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in relation to children with an incarcerated parent, in each of the past three years (a) how many such children are identified through interagency processes; (b) what proportion have their needs assessed; (c) what proportion are referred to or receive structured social, educational, or family support; and (d) whether such coverage rates can be tracked over time.

Answer:

            As of 31 December 2025, about 4,000 children below 21 years old had at least one incarcerated parent. Of these, 70% belonged to families receiving support from Social Service Offices (SSOs) and/or Family Service Centres (FSCs) during the parent’s incarceration. Support was also extended to the children based on their assessed needs. 16% of these children had parents who were released in January to August 2026, and almost all continued to receive support after the parents’ release.

2.          To provide more proactive support, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) implemented an interagency process in February 2026 where SPS notifies the Social Service Office (SSO) Family Coaches and FSC caseworkers when any member of a client’s family is incarcerated. This enables them to proactively reach out to families, assess their needs and provide timely assistance. Between March and August 2026, almost 300 families, comprising about 400 children, were identified through this process. Where there has been a referral from SPS, the SSOs and FSCs will assess needs afresh, and arrange for support as needed.

3.          Through the National Committee on Preventing Offending and Reoffending (NCPR), MSF and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will continue to work with agencies to strengthen support for families and children affected by incarceration, while ensuring they do not feel singled out or labelled because of their family circumstances.