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Encouraging More to Become Foster Parents to Teenagers

Type: Press Releases

Topic(s): Children & Families, Rehabilitation, Residential & Shelter Support

Published on 23 August 2025

  1. Studies have consistently shown that children placed in foster families experience better developmental, emotional, and educational outcomes compared to those in residential care. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) is committed to finding loving, stable homes for children and young people in need. We have been actively exploring ways to expand our pool of foster parents, and we hope that more families will be inspired to take up this meaningful role.
  2. As part of our continued efforts to encourage more families to step forward, especially to foster teenagers, MSF will be enhancing support to foster families in their caregiving journey.

A. Enhanced Support for Families Fostering Teenagers Aged 13 and Above

  1. MSF will increase the monthly fostering allowance to $1,300 (from $1,100) and $1,800 (from $1,500) for foster parents caring for teenagers and teenagers with special / medical needs respectively. This will take effect from October this year. Foster parents caring for teenagers in October will receive the enhanced fostering allowance in the subsequent month. We recognise the cost of caring for teenagers is often higher than for younger children, from food and clothing to school supplies and recreational activities. The increased allowance aims to help defray these additional expenses and ease the caregiving journey. This enhancement is expected to benefit around 130 foster teenagers and their foster parents.
  2. Foster families will also continue to receive a comprehensive suite of government subsidies and support, including services that promote the child’s well-being, development, and integration into family and community life.
  3. Adolescence is a complex and formative stage of development. Many teenagers entering foster care have experienced trauma and may present with higher social and emotional needs. In recognition of this, MSF will partner closely with our appointed Fostering Agencies to strengthen casework support for foster parents caring for teenagers. This complements the enhanced training provided to foster parents, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to better understand the needs of adolescents, including areas such as youth mental well-being, managing challenging behaviours, and navigating online risks.

B. Expanded Fostering Eligibility Criteria

  1. Our experience with fostering has shown us that the ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home is not determined by income or academic qualifications alone. MSF has removed the minimum household income and educational requirements for fostering applicants since July 2024. Applicants will still undergo a holistic household assessment to ensure they are able to provide the care and stability that foster children need. Those assessed to be suitable will receive a comprehensive suite of support, including structured training, fostering allowances, and casework guidance to equip them with the skills and resources necessary to provide a nurturing home environment. We hope this will encourage more couples to step forward and open their homes to children in need.
  2. Attending the annual Fostering Open House 2025, Minister of State for Social and Family Development Mr Goh Pei Ming said, “Foster families play a crucial role in shaping the lives of children and youth by providing a stable, loving home during a critical time of need. With the expanded eligibility criteria, we hope more couples will be encouraged to step forward and make a lasting difference. While many foster parents naturally gravitate towards caring for younger children, teenagers also benefit deeply from the care and consistency of a family environment. That is why we are enhancing our support to give families the confidence to take on this meaningful and impactful role. By opening their hearts and homes, foster parents help children and youth heal, build resilience, and realise their full potential. Through fostering, we have seen ordinary people open their hearts to do extraordinary things that transform the lives of children and youth.”
  3. Fostering can be a deeply rewarding experience. Foster families make a lasting impact on a child’s life by offering the love, stability, and care of a nurturing family environment. Families who wish to find out more about fostering can visit www.msf.gov.sg/fostering.

Media Release - Encouraging More to Become Foster Parents to Teenagers - Annexes