Resources available to "Hidden Adults" in Singapore

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the Ministry intends to conduct a national study to quantify the scale of “hidden adults” in Singapore, referring to individuals with prolonged social withdrawal; and (b) what resources are available for the community and families seeking support or intervention.

Answer

1. Individuals who have withdrawn socially for a prolonged period, whether adult, youth or child, would generally be served by Family Service Centres or community mental health teams. These are operated by social service agencies appointed by MSF and MOH/Agency for Integrated Care respectively. In addition, individuals and families may call the national mindline 1771 for advice and referral. 

2. MSF intends to leverage available internal data to track emerging trends, such as prolonged social withdrawal.