1. Following consultation with the social service sector, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will designate selected agencies as Child Protection Case Management agencies. These designated agencies will lead on child protection matters and undertake protection-related case management functions. MSF will also establish a Triage Assessment Panel (TAP) as an appeals mechanism for cases where agencies have differing views on risk assessments and the agency to undertake case management.
2. These changes follow from the Review Panel’s report which was released in October 2025. Since then, MSF has been implementing the recommendations progressively. These will be completed by end-2026.
(A) Designation of Child Protection Case Management Agencies
3. From 1 May 2026, only Child Protection Case Management (CPCM) agencies will be allowed to case manage child protection cases. This ensures such cases continue to be handled by professionals and agencies with specialised expertise and dedicated resources. Case management is a collaborative process that involves key functions to meet an individual's or family's needs comprehensively. In child protection, this typically includes information gathering to verify concerns, performing safety and risk assessments, and developing safety plans to keep a child safe. MSF will stipulate the competencies and training required of child protection case management agencies.
4. Please refer to MSF’s website for the list of CPCM agencies. This list will be updated periodically.
5. Non-CPCM agencies continue to have an important role within the child protection ecosystem. They should collaborate closely with CPCM agencies to support families in areas that enhance the well-being of the child, such as in childcare, parenting skills, or caregiving support. Close coordination between both types of agencies will be essential, with CPCM agencies taking the lead as case managers.
(B) Triage Assessment Panel
6. From 1 May 2026, the TAP will serve as an independent body to review triage decisions, and determine whether the appropriate agency had been assigned to manage a case based on various professional considerations. CPCM agencies that disagree with the initial triage decision may appeal to the TAP for a final decision.
7. The TAP meeting will comprise two co-chairs – one from MSF’s Professional Services Group, and the other will be an independent professional from the sector. They will be joined by two additional independent sector panellists. The composition of TAP members for each meeting will vary based on relevant expertise. Appointed co-chairs and panellists are practising professionals who work with families or have expertise in child protection, and are uninvolved in cases reviewed by the TAP to ensure neutrality and objectivity.
8. Upon receiving a case referral, the TAP will provide a triage decision within six working days with clear rationale communicated to the agencies involved. This ensures swift resolution and prevents prolonged uncertainty that could delay the affected families’ access to services and interventions.
9. Minister of State for Social and Family Development Mr Goh Pei Ming said, “MSF is committed towards ensuring the safety and welfare of all children and young persons, especially those within the child protection ecosystem. Following consultation with the sector, MSF has designated the Child Protection Case Management agencies to provide more specialised support to families and children. Further, when there are differences in triage, the newly established Triage Assessment Panel will allow more effective and decisive intervention in child abuse cases. It gives greater confidence in how the system will provide support to families and children.”
10. Child protection is a whole-of-society responsibility that goes beyond any single agency or sector. Every organisation, professional and individual in our community plays a vital role in creating safe environments where children can thrive.
ISSUED BY
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT