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The Social Residential Homes Act (SHRA)

The Social Residential Homes Act (SRHA) is a legislative framework intended to strengthen safeguards for the safety and well-being of residents and enhance the quality of care in Social Residential Homes in Singapore.

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About Social Residential Homes​

Social Residential Homes provide residential accommodation to persons requiring care and/or social intervention. The social residential homes support vulnerable individuals who need specialised care and are unable to live independently. These homes cater to various groups, including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.​

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) oversees a range of Social Residential Homes that provide short to long-term residential care, such as:​

1. Children's Homes
2. Children Disability Homes​
3. Sheltered Homes​
4. Welfare Homes​
5. Adult Disability Homes​
6. Adult Disability Hostels

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News & Updates

Public Consultation on the Social Residential Homes Bill

In November 2024, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) invited the public to provide feedback on the proposed Social Residential Homes Bill (SRHB), which seeks to uphold quality and consistent standards across the Social Residential Homes (SRHs), for the safety and well-being of their vulnerable residents.

Public Consultation Report on the Social Residential Homes Bill Now Available​

This report provides a summary of key feedback raised by caregivers, clients, the general public, and residential care providers, during the public consultation. It also includes the Ministry of Social and Family Development's responses to the feedback received. 

$33m Funding to Support Social Residential Homes to Transition to the New Licensing Framework

The Social Residential Homes Bill was passed in Parliament on 8 April 2025. This is part of the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) ongoing moves to enhance the quality of care for residents in Social Residential Homes (SRHs).

 

 

FAQs

Answer: The SRHA aims to ensure a safe environment in SRHs, giving residents and their caregivers a greater peace of mind. It sets out clear safety standards that all SRHs must follow, including regular inspections to maintain compliance and mandatory staff training to enhance care quality.​

Answer: Social Residential Homes (SRHs) are premises that are used to provide residential accommodation, and any of the following to residents:

  • Care;​
  • Biopsychosocial intervention; or​
  • Support to carry out daily activities. 

Care refers to the act of looking after an individual to ensure their well-being. 

Biopsychosocial intervention refers to any measure that helps residents to improve their quality of life. Examples include: (i) psychological therapy, (ii) family counselling, and (iii) physical therapy. 

Support to carry out daily activities refers to any assistance provided to residents who are partially or completely unable to carry out daily activities, such as (i) dressing, and (ii) moving around. z

Answer: For a start, MSF will license SRHs with residents that are highly vulnerable, and are heavily reliant on the home for 24/7 care. About 60 SRHs will come under the SRHA when it is implemented.​

Other premises that fall under the SRH definition may be licensed by MSF in future. We encourage operators/facilities to check in with MSF on whether licensing under SRHA would be required.

Answer: Over the years, MSF has been working with the SRHs to raise the standards of care across SRHs. SRHA is a proactive step taken by MSF to codify these standards to uplift the quality of care across the SRH sector, while strengthening safeguards for the safety and well-being of residents. ​

​We are not introducing this Act in response to any instances of abuse or neglect in the SRHs.

Answer: Sheltered Homes (14) are currently licensed under the Homes for the Aged Act, while the Children’s Homes (19) and Children Disability Homes (3) are currently licensed under the Children and Young Persons Act.

Answer: Currently, Children’s Homes and Children Disability Homes are licensed under the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA), and Sheltered Homes are licensed under the Homes for the Aged Act (HFAA). MSF can take regulatory actions to direct these Homes to address non-compliances, and in more serious cases, take steps to suspend or revoke their licences. If an egregious breach is committed, we may also pursue criminal penalties under the respective Acts.​

 

Find more LAQs on Social Residential Homes Act (SRHA)