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.

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