70 Years of Fostering: More Families Invited to Open Their Homes and Hearts to Children

Type: 
Press Release
Topic(s): 
Protection from Domestic Violence
  1. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) is commemorating 70 years of fostering in Singapore, recognising generations of foster families who have opened their homes and hearts to children who need care, stability and a nurturing home environment.
  2. Since the Fostering Scheme began in 1956, more than 6,500 children have benefitted from foster care. Foster families provide a safe and nurturing home to children who, as a last resort, need to be temporarily away from their birth families because of abuse or neglect. Foster families enable the children to continue to grow and thrive until the family is ready to be reunited with them.
  3. Fostering has transformed the lives of thousands of children over the past 70 years, and more foster families are still needed. Every child entering foster care brings different needs, experiences and strengths. A larger and more diverse fostering community allows children to be matched with foster parents who are well placed to support them.
  4. Minister for Social and Family Development Mr Masagos Zulkifli said: “For 70 years, foster families have journeyed alongside children during important periods of their lives, giving them care, stability and a sense of belonging. By opening their homes and hearts, they have helped generations of children build confidence, resilience and hope for the future. As we commemorate this milestone, we also look ahead. Every family brings different strengths, and more families can play a part to helping our children grow and flourish. We hope more families will come forward, knowing that they will be supported on this journey, and join us in giving the children the strong foundation they need for the future. Join us in making a lasting difference in a child's life.”

 

Helping More Families Learn About Fostering

  1. To encourage more families to learn about fostering and take the first step towards becoming foster parents, MSF is holding its annual Fostering Open House on 24 October 2026 at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. Members of the public can learn about fostering, hear directly from foster parents, and find out about the support available to foster families. The programme includes an interactive theatre performance inspired by real-life fostering experiences and sharing sessions by foster parents.

 

Strengthening Support for Foster Families

  1. Foster families 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. MSF is committed to strengthening support for foster parents to give families the confidence to take on this meaningful and impactful role. In October 2025, MSF increased fostering allowances for families caring for teenagers and teenagers with special or medical needs to help defray these additional expenses and ease the caregiving journey. MSF also strengthened the casework support provided by appointed Fostering Agencies to equip foster parents with the knowledge and skills to better understand the needs of adolescents.
  2. MSF will continue to work with foster families, Fostering Agencies and community partners to strengthen the fostering ecosystem, so that children who require alternative care can receive nurturing family-based care and foster parents have the support they need throughout their journey. 

 

Recognising Contributions Across the Fostering Community

  1. As part of the anniversary commemorations, MSF will hold the 70th Fostering Anniversary Appreciation Dinner on 31 October 2026. The dinner will recognise foster families, foster children and youth, former foster children, foster care workers, Fostering Agencies and community partners who have strengthened Singapore's fostering ecosystem.
  2. The event will also celebrate the achievements of foster children and youth. 35 foster children and youth will receive Commendation Awards across the categories of Academic Achievement, Sports and Arts Achievement, and Character Development, while four foster youth will receive Outstanding Achievement Awards. MSF will also recognise excellence among Foster Care Workers and Foster Care Teams through new award categories.
  3. Families who would like to learn more about fostering or apply to become foster parents may visit www.msf.gov.sg/fostering.

 

Annex A - Factsheet on Fostering

Annex B - Factsheet on Fostering Open House 2026

Annex C - Information on Awards for Foster Children, Youth and Foster Care Workers