'It was scary living on my own'
The Straits Times|October 27, 2024
Youth from children's homes get support to transition to independent living in adulthood
Gabrielle Chan
'It was scary living on my own'

Children's homes have in recent years been helping to ease the transition of youth to independent living as they grow older.

At least three homes have programmes to support these youth in areas like finding housing and jobs, and imparting life skills as they approach their late teens and move into adulthood.

Nearly 600 children and young people live in residential and youth homes in Singapore.

In January, Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home started The Hearts Programme for those aged 13 and above, to prepare them for the time when they will move out.

Currently, there are 10 young people in this programme who receive personalised transition plans, life skills training and housing assistance. Social workers will follow up with them for up to two years, along with volunteers who provide informal support.

In July, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) announced a scheme to grant more support, including financial assistance, to young people aged 17 to 21, for whom reunification with their family is not possible. Leaving the care system at the age of 21 often means finding a new place to live, and while reunification with family is the ideal outcome, it is not always possible, it said.

Some young people are unable to be reunited with their families for reasons such as the death or incarceration of their parents.

About 30 young people will benefit annually from the scheme, which is for those enrolled in full-time studies, training, internships or national service.

For a start, the scheme will be provided by Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home; Melrose Home, which is run by the Children's Aid Society; and Singapore Boys' Hostel.

Esta historia es de la edición October 27, 2024 de The Straits Times.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición October 27, 2024 de The Straits Times.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE THE STRAITS TIMESVer todo
M2M to reunite for Singapore concert
The Straits Times

M2M to reunite for Singapore concert

It has been 22 years since they went away, but Norwegian pop duo M2M are back and coming to Singapore.

time-read
1 min  |
November 05, 2024
The Straits Times

Industry sources say the author also wrote BTS memoir

Hybe's document on K-pop industry trends

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 05, 2024
Paddington Bear's 'high jinks' are back in third movie
The Straits Times

Paddington Bear's 'high jinks' are back in third movie

LONDON - Paddington is back and he has lost none of his \"charm\" and \"high jinks\", according to English actor Hugh Bonneville, who again guides the trouble-prone bear through the third film in the hit series that saw its premiere on Nov 3.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 05, 2024
Quincy Jones left indelible imprints on jazz, pop and hip-hop
The Straits Times

Quincy Jones left indelible imprints on jazz, pop and hip-hop

LOS ANGELES - Quincy Jones, a major influence on American music in his work with artists ranging from Count Basie to Frank Sinatra and who then reshaped pop music by collaborating with Michael Jackson, died on Nov 3 at the age of 91.

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 05, 2024
Young Chinese pianist brings wealth of emotion
The Straits Times

Young Chinese pianist brings wealth of emotion

There are so many young Chinese pianists plying their art these days that it is easy to reduce them to Lang Lang, Yuja Wang, Li Yundi and the rest.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 05, 2024
White faces, open mouths
The Straits Times

White faces, open mouths

Avant-garde Japanese dance butoh finds foothold in Singapore

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 05, 2024
Seeking sleep at Hoshinoya Tokyo
The Straits Times

Seeking sleep at Hoshinoya Tokyo

TOKYO In December 2023, I check into Hoshinoya Tokyo for a sleep retreat.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 05, 2024
Explore the bustling Ginza and Marunouchi districts in Tokyo
The Straits Times

Explore the bustling Ginza and Marunouchi districts in Tokyo

Ginza, located near Tokyo Station, is one of the city's busiest high-end shopping districts.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 05, 2024
Pastoral and scenic views at JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa
The Straits Times

Pastoral and scenic views at JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

JEJU - The island bursts with juicy tangerines, and is where women well into their 80s free dive for seafood against a backdrop of dormant volcanoes and tea estates.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 05, 2024
Connecting with the city's past at The Murray Hong Kong
The Straits Times

Connecting with the city's past at The Murray Hong Kong

Although brand-new hotels pop up all the time, restored heritage buildings-turned-hotels have an allure of their own.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 05, 2024