He has never known his biological family, but Mr Hunter Tan found a forever home in the foster family that took him in when he was just a baby.
He grew up with three older sisters and two loving parents, who saw him through his school years and national service.
When he turned 21 in 2024, his social worker told him that he was “officially out of the system”.
Fostering is a temporary arrangement, and the aim is for the children to be reunited with their birth families.
The children grow out of the system when they turn 21, and for those staying in children’s homes, it means moving out.
When asked what his next steps were, Mr Tan said: “It was an easy choice, I will stay with my family. But I don’t know if other foster children are this lucky.”
To assist foster children like him, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) on July 13 announced that more support including financial assistance will be given to those aged 17 to 21. It will cover housing and daily living expenses, among other things.
Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development, said reunification with their families is not always possible.
The parents may be dead, mentally incapacitated, or in long-term incarceration.
この記事は The Straits Times の July 14, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Straits Times の July 14, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Report calls for national strategy to prevent suicides
A coordinated, whole-of-society effort is needed to prevent more suicides, which disproportionately affect young people, said a group that has published a 160-page report outlining a national suicide prevention strategy for Singapore.
'FUEL TO GO EVEN FURTHER'
Warm welcome cheers Soon, fellow Paralympians, as bus parade is next
Equipment repairs crucial for athletes at Paralympics
During half-time of Germany's wheelchair rugby game against Canada at the Paris Paralympics, Jens Sauerbier was missing a crucial part of his wheelchair and needed a repair to continue playing.
Odegaard injury worries Arsenal before Spurs tie
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a huge concern ahead of the Gunners' big English Premier League clash at north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sept 15.
Italy's tactical nous against Israel pleases Spalletti
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti praised his side's \"maturity\" as Davide Frattesi and Moise Kean secured a 2-1 win over Israel in their Nations League Group A2 clash on Sept 9 at Bozsik Arena.
DE BRUYNE FED UP WITH TEAM'S WEAKNESSES
Star skipper blasts Belgium teammates for unacceptable performance in loss to France
Shaky US offer All Whites confidence
New Zealand may be smarting from a 3-0 loss to Mexico over the weekend, but the world's 94th-ranked side believe they can bounce back quickly and beat the United States in another friendly on Sept 11 to build momentum before their next World Cup qualifying window.
LIONS TAKEN TO THEIR LIMIT
Coach Ogura aims to ready the team to play at a high intensity for 90 to 95 minutes
Wasteful Socceroos draw, disappoint coach
Toothless Australia failed to score for the second World Cup qualifying match in succession, as they were held 0-0 by a gutsy Indonesia in Jakarta on Sept 10.
Cheptegei's killer dies from burns
The former partner of Ugandan athlete and Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, who is accused of killing her by dousing her in petrol and setting her on fire, has died from burns suffered during the attack.
