Parents of children and youth below the age of 16 years who persist in severe disciplinary problems such as defiance, truancy or running away from home, may find themselves unable to manage or control their children.

Parents can seek help from the following agencies should they encounter such problems with their children:

• Schools can provide valuable feedback on the child’s behaviour and activities in school. The teachers may refer the child to the school counselors or specialized agencies if professional help is deemed necessary. Parents can approach their child’s Principal or Form Teacher to seek assistance first. 
• Family Service Centres (FSC) or Social Service Agencies can provide advice, counselling, information and referral services to parents who need help in managing their children. Parents may contact the National FSC Helpline at 1800-838-0100.
• MCYS Child Welfare Service, located in the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, a hotline service is available to provide advice to parents, and to assist in making referrals to other agencies. Parents may contact the Child Welfare Service at 6354 8260.

Where counselling at the schools and FSCs does not work, parents can lodge a complaint at the Family and Juvenile Court, provided that the child is below the age of 16 years. This is provided for by the Children and Young Persons Act. Upon lodging a complaint, the child will either be placed on Statutory Supervision or be admitted to an Approved Home.

For more information on, please go to the MCYS website. Parents can also contact the Family and Juvenile Court (No. 3, Havelock Square, Singapore 059725) at 6435-5107 (tel), or alternatively, the Child Welfare Service.

However, laying a complaint in the Family and Juvenile Court should be the last resort as this may severely strain the relationship between the parents and their child. Parents should consider other options such as counselling or psychological / psychiatric interventions for the child before laying a complaint.