Integrated Service Providers (ISPs) are social service agencies appointed by MSF and conduct Triage and Diversionary Programmes.
Triage System
The Triage system aims to:
- facilitate early identification and diversion of suitable youth offenders committing minor offences, from the court system;
- provide timely intervention to the young person and/or his/her family if required, pending outcome of police investigations.
A social worker from the ISP (known as 'Triage officer') will interview the young person and his/her caregivers. This covers their social background, the youth's risks and needs and offending behaviours. A social report is prepared and taken into consideration by the criminal justice system such as the police, Central Narcotics Bureau and prosecutors in determining the appropriate response to the young person's offending behaviour. The Triage interview also serves as a touch point for early detection of social or other challenges faced by the family. Efforts will be made to link the youth and family up to the relevant agency for support, while awaiting an outcome to the investigation by law enforcement agencies.
How are youths referred for the Triage system?
Youths may be referred for Triage through referrals by:
- Police Land Divisions
- Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)
Diversionary programmes may be imposed by the Attorney-General's Chambers in lieu of prosecution, provided that the offender consents to the programme. First-time youth offenders caught for minor offences may be referred by the police to appointed social service agencies for an assessment on their suitability to undergo diversionary programmes such as:
Guidance Programme (GP)
GP is a 6-month diversionary programme for youth offenders who commit minor offences. Those who complete the programme are given a warning in lieu of court prosecution. Depending on their response as well as risks and needs, the programme can be extended by up to an additional 6 months.
Using a case management approach, the caseworker engages the youth in a series of individual, group-based and family sessions where the youth will be educated on:
a) Taking responsibility for their actions;
b) Solving problems and conflicts in a pro-social manner;
c) Forming healthy relationships with others;
d) Being meaningfully engaged in school or work; and
e) Managing emotions positively.
The family and school’s involvement and participation in the programme are critical for the youth’s successful completion of the programme and rehabilitation. Parents and school personnel are strongly encouraged to play an active role in supporting the youth during and after the programme.
Enhanced Streetwise Programme (ESWP)
ESWP is a 6-month gang intervention programme for youths who played a minor role in gang-related offences. Concurrently, the youths are also required to report to the police and abide by restrictions on persons they are not to associate with or placed they cannot hang out or visit. Depending on the risks and needs of the youth, the programme may be extended by up to an additional 6 months.
Using a case management approach, the caseworker engages the youths in a series of individual, group-based and family sessions where they will be taught to:
a) understand the social and legal consequences of being in a gang;
b) dissociate from gangs and form healthy relationships with others;
c) solve problems and conflicts in a pro-social manner;
d) be meaningfully engaged in school or work; and
e) manage emotions positively.
Parents and schools are strongly encouraged to play an active role and participate in the programme. Their involvement and support from the onset of the programme will be critical for the youth’s successful completion of the programme and rehabilitation.
How are youths referred for ESWP?
Youths may be referred for ESWP through the police.
Who can parents/caregivers approach for help if they suspect their child is in a gang?
- Parents/caregivers can contact the Secret Societies Branch hotline at 6435 0000 if they suspect that their child is involved in gang activities. Alternatively, parents can also approach the school, the nearest Family Service Centre or Social Service
Office (SSO) for assistance.
ESWP is provided by the following Integrated Service Providers:
- Care Corner Youth Services
- Youth Guidance Outreach Services
- Lakeside Family Services
- Youth Service @ Children's Society
Youth Enhanced Supervision (YES) Scheme
The YES Scheme is a 6-month structured programme targeted at youths below 21 years of age arrested for drug consumption for the first time. It was implemented to complement CNB's urine supervision regime and utilises casework and counselling components. Depending on the youth’s risks and needs, the programme may be extended by up to an additional 6 months. The YES Scheme also includes weekly or bi-weekly urine reporting requirements for up to 5 years.
Using a case management approach, the caseworker engages the youth in a series of individual, group-based and family sessions, focusing on enhancing the youth’s motivation for change and teaching them new skills to desist from drugs. Parental involvement is critical for the youth’s successful completion of the programme and rehabilitation. The parents are equipped with effective parenting approaches to support the youth in staying drug-free.
How are youths referred for YES Scheme?
Youths may be referred for YES through the CNB or by the Probation Officer following the Court ordering the programme as a condition in the Probation Order.
Who can parents/caregivers approach for help if they suspect that their child is taking drugs?
There are community resources available that can support parents, such as counselling provided by school counsellors or social workers at Family Service Centres. Treatment service is available at the National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) for those are struggling with addiction issues. The NAMS Addiction Helpline is 6732 6837. For those who wish to report drug information, they can contact the CNB Hotline at 1800 325 6666, or call the police.
YES is provided by the following Integrated Service Providers:
- AMKFSC - Youth Infinity @ AMK
- AMKFSC - Youth Infinity @ Punggol
- SHINE Children & Youth Services (Hougang)
- SHINE Children & Youth Services (Clementi)
- Youth Service @ Children's Society