Probation Order
About
Probation is a community-based rehabilitation service that supports individuals who have committed offence(s), as an alternative to MSF Youth Homes or penal institutions such as Reformative Training Centre or the Prisons. Probationers are supervised by a Probation Officer for 6 months to 3 years, with conditions designed to promote good conduct and prevent re-offending.
The Probation Order allows individuals to continue their day-to-day activities (e.g., school, work, National Service) while receiving structured support. Parental involvement and community support are key components in the process, with Probation Officers regularly monitoring and updating the Court on a probationer’s progress.
Probation, if completed successfully, is not a conviction record. You may refer to Section 11 of the Probation of Offenders Act 1951 for the full context of this provision.
Contact Us
Address
1 Kay Siang Rd, #01-10, Singapore 248922
Counter Operating Hours
Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 7pm (*Until 9pm on Wednesday)
Saturday (2nd and 4th Saturday of the month): 8.30am to 5.30pm
*Closed for lunch between 1pm to 1.30pm
Email
MSF_Probation_Service@msf.gov.sg
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between the Singapore Boys’ Home and Hostel for youths on probation?
A: If assessed to be unsuitable to be placed on probation, youth offenders may be placed on a Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre Order by the Youth Court and reside at the Singapore Boys’ Home or Singapore Girls’ Home. If placed on probation, the Court may direct that the youth offender be placed in a youth hostel to provide a semi-structured environment for the youth. The youth would still be able to go to school or work in the community.
Q2. If my child is remanded, does that mean he/she is no longer on probation?
A: (a) Pending a Probation Suitability Report –
During the remand period, the Probation Officer will conduct interviews and provide an assessment to the Court on the offender’s suitability to be placed on probation. The Probation Officer will conduct separate interviews with the offender in remand, and his/her parents.
(b) Pending a Progress Report to the Court –
The Probation Officer may initiate breach action in Court if the offender shows persistently poor progress on probation. During this period, the supervising Probation Officer will prepare a progress report to the Court and assess if the offender is suitable to continue probation.
(c) Pending Court appearance for commission of further offence(s) on probation –
If the offender was arrested for committing an offence while on probation, he/she may be remanded by the police. The remand period will depend on the period of investigation by the police. It may lead to the offender being charged in Court eventually for committing the offence. If the offender pleads guilty or is found guilty in Court and is sentenced, the Probation Officer will initiate breach action in the Court that placed the offender on probation. The Court may call for a Progress Report on the offender. Should the offender be remanded/imprisoned (for the re-offence) during this period, the Probation Officer will conduct separate interviews with the offender in remand/prison, and his/her parents.
Q3. Can I get a copy of my child’s Probation Suitability Report?
A: The Probation Suitability Report will be submitted directly to the Court. Parents may request a copy of the report from the Court.
Q4. What if there is an emergency at home and my child is unable to abide by the curfew?
A: Should there be a family emergency (e.g. urgent medical attention required), your child or a family member will need to inform the Probation Officer as soon as possible. Upon returning home, the probationer should leave a message to inform the Probation Officer that he/she has returned. The Probation Officer will require supporting documents as evidence of the emergency that took place, e.g. hospital bills, medical certificates etc.
Q5. Can my child leave the country while on probation?
A: Requests are subject to the Court’s approval. Requests must be for valid reasons, e.g. visiting a close family member who is critically ill or other emergency-related reasons. For non-emergency reasons such as an overseas school trip, your child is advised to give the Probation Officer, where possible, at least a month's notice and provide supporting documents. For National Servicemen required to attend overseas exercises, superiors will need to provide a letter to inform the Probation Officer of the dates. Requests to leave Singapore would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Q6. Can the Probation Officer continue to supervise my child after he/she has completed his/her probation?
A: The Probation Officer will work closely with you and your child towards completion of probation. However, the Probation Officer will not be able to enforce any probation conditions or rules once probation has ended. It is important that you raise concerns over your child's progress early so that the Probation Officer has sufficient time to work with you in addressing these concerns. The Probation Officer may, in discussion with you and your child, refer the family to the community for ongoing support on areas identified. The Probation Officer will also provide you with community resources where you can seek support, should you or your child require it.
Q7. Can my child continue with community service even after completing the required hours?
A: This is possible, though not mandatory once your child has completed the required number of hours. You may explore the possibility of volunteering at the agency where you performed your community service. Alternatively, you may wish to volunteer with your child at other community service agencies or spend time together by engaging in a common hobby or family activities.
Q8. Can I request my child to be placed on probation for misbehaving?
A: Your child may be considered for probation by the Court only if he/she has been charged in Court for committing an offence.
If you wish to apply for a Family Guidance Order (FGO) or require additional support, you may register for an appointment with a pre-FGO agency or contact the nearest Family Service Centre. The FGO is applicable only for Children and Young Persons with very serious behavioural issues. Please click here for more information.
Q9. Can the hours that I clocked for community projects in my school be counted towards community service hours?
A: The hours that are clocked for other community projects cannot be counted towards the youth’s community service requirements, as the objectives for community service would differ from other community projects.