Well-Being of Children and Youths Who Undertake Substantial or Age-Inappropriate Caregiving for Ill or Disabled Family Members

Mr David Hoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether children and youths undertaking substantial or age-inappropriate caregiving for ill or disabled family members, or younger siblings are systematically identified across schools, healthcare and social services; (b) whether the Ministry tracks their prevalence and impacts on schooling and well-being; and (c) what interventions are available to reduce their caregiving burdens and support affected families.

Answer:

            The Ministry of Social and Family Development does not track the number of children and youths who take on caregiving duties for ill or disabled family members, or younger siblings.

2.          In schools, teachers, student welfare officers and school counsellors look out for students with behaviours such as frequent lateness, absenteeism, falling grades and persistent fatigue. If they identify caregiving as an underlying reason, they would refer these cases to Social Service Offices (SSOs) or Family Service Centres (FSCs) for practical and emotional support.

3.          Medical Social Workers also assess the adequacy of a patient’s family or social support, before discharge from hospital or during Specialist Outpatient Centre (SOC) visits.

4.          Generally, social workers work with families, with their consent, to support them in addressing their caregiving challenges. However, if a child or youth is taking on excessive caregiving responsibilities such that his/her wellbeing is at risk, the social worker will consider more intensive intervention, including statutory intervention to ensure the child and youth receive the necessary help. This may involve placing the child in out-of-home care while the needs of the person needing care is separately addressed.