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Singapore Central Authority (SCA)

About

MSF is the Central Authority in Singapore to:

  • facilitate applications for the return of children who have been taken to or from Singapore without permission of the parent who has custody rights; and

  • work with other Central Authorities on such applications.

We also provide referrals on services for counselling and emotional support.

On 28 December 2010, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (now known as Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)) acceded to the Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (HCCAICA).

To carry out the relevant functions under the HCCAICA, Singapore passed the International Child Abduction Bill on 16 September 2010. 


If Your Child is Taken Out of Singapore or Retained in Another Country/Territory

If your child has been taken to or retained in another country/territory, thereby preventing you from exercising custody rights, the Singapore Central Authority can assist with:

  • your application to the Foreign Central Authority 

  • liaising with the Foreign Central Authority on your application for return of your child

If Your Child is Taken to or Retained in Singapore

If your child has been taken to or retained in Singapore, thereby preventing you from exercising custody rights, the Singapore Central Authority can:

  • facilitate the location and voluntary return of the child

  • facilitate the care and protection of the child where necessary

  • provide information on how to apply to the Family Court for the return of your child and for legal aid