SUPPORT FOR GRANDPARENTS FORCED OUT OF CIRCUMSTANCES TO LOOK AFTER GRANDCHILDREN LEFT IN THEIR CARE BY THEIR CHILDREN
Mr. Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Social and Family Development what kind of specific support that the Ministry can provide to grandparents who are forced out of circumstances to look after their grandchildren left in their care by their children.
Mr. Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Grandparents may be the main caregiver of their grandchildren due to various circumstances. Some of these circumstances could include neglect, abuse, or abandonment of the child by his or her parents. The parents may also be unable to care for their children due to death, incarceration, or serious medical issues.
For grandparents who are MSF-appointed kin carers of abused, neglected or abandoned children, they will be supported by case workers from MSF or selected social service agencies that have been appointed as Child Protection Specialist Centres or Fostering Agencies. Since 1 July 2020, MSF-appointed kin carers have also been entitled to childcare leave to support them in their caregiving role.
Grandparents and non-parent caregivers experiencing financial difficulties in caring for children may be eligible for financial assistance to defray the basic living expenses and additional costs for the child’s needs under their care. In addition, grandparents who require financial assistance with their basic living expenses may also apply for ComCare support. They could approach their nearest Social Service Office (SSO) or call the ComCare hotline at 1800–222–000 for support and further details.
Grandparents may also approach Family Service Centres (FSCs)1 for support to address their family and socio-emotional issues. FSCs will provide case management and coordinate support with various agencies where necessary, such as schools and childcare centres.
Grandparents caring for their grandchildren may also approach Parenting Support Providers (PSPs)2 to be equipped with parenting and grandparenting skills and knowledge. In addition, counselling services are available at Strengthening Families Programme @ FSCs (FAM@FSCs) if they face family relationship issues.
1 Grandparents could locate and contact the nearest FSC using the MSF FSC locator at: www.msf.gov.sg/dfcs/familyservice.
2 Further information on the nearest PSP and sign-up links could be found at: https://go.gov.sg/ffl-parenting-programmes
