Data on Infant Abandonment Cases and Feasibility of Confidential Safe-Handover Arrangements for Parents in Crisis

Ms Valerie Lee asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many cases of infant abandonment were recorded annually over the past five years; and (b) whether Singapore has studied confidential safe-handover arrangements overseas, allowing parents in crisis to relinquish infants safely to designated healthcare professionals without prosecution for qualifying handovers, while preserving accountability for prior abuse.

Answer:

             From 2020 to 2023, an average of one abandoned infant per year was referred to the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) Protective Service. There were no such referrals in 2024 and 2025.

2.          Singapore's context is different from that of other jurisdictions. We do not criminalise the act of a parent handing over a child to the Protective Service due to their inability to safely care for their child. The issue of creating an exemption therefore does not arise. Our approach is to ensure that parents in crisis can access timely support and safe, responsible options for the care of their child. Parents who face difficulties caring for their children can approach Family Service Centres and other social service agencies for counselling, support with parenting difficulties and other assistance.

3.          When parents hand over their child to the Protective Service, they are not absolved of liability for any prior abuse.