Community-based rehabilitation of Juvenile Delinquents

Where juveniles go against the law, programmes are in place in Singapore to help rehabilitate the youths. This rehabilitation, as far as possible, is provided in the community. Family involvement is critical in the successful rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents.

Guidance Programme

The Guidance Programme is a pre-Court diversionary programme that aims to steer juveniles away from the Court system, and to give them an opportunity to make amends and resolve against re-offending.

Probation

Probation is a community-based treatment programme for juvenile offenders below the age of 16 years, as well as suitable adult offenders above the age of 16 years. Youths under Probation will be supervised and supported by a Probation Officer in the community, where he or she has to abide by several conditions.

Statutory Supervision

Statutory Supervision is provided for children who are Beyond Parental Control. Similar to Probation in its conditions and structures, Statutory Supervision is currently administered by two main agencies in Singapore:

-          Singapore Children’s Society

-          Boys’ Town 

Institutional rehabilitation of Juvenile Delinquents

The Juvenile Court will order a juvenile offender, or a child beyond parental control, to be placed on institutional rehabilitation after taking into consideration the following factors:

-          the gravity of the offence (for offenders);

-          the offender’s role in the commission of the offence (for offenders);

-          the character of the juvenile;

-          the presence of effective / responsible parents / guardians;

-          the availability of community-based programmes to meet the individual’s risks and needs; and

-          recommendations by the Probation / Child Welfare Officer, social worker and / or psychiatrists.

A juvenile may then be admitted into a Home under an Approved School or Approved Home Order for up to 3 years to undergo institutional rehabilitation.