Measures to Support Adolescents Found Using Drug-Laced E-Vaporisers

Question:

Dr Wan Rizal: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what support systems are available for adolescents found using drug-laced e-vaporisers; and (b) how is the Ministry working with social service agencies to provide rehabilitation and counselling services to these adolescents.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1. There are differentiated pathways for the drug rehabilitation and treatment of persons aged under 21, depending on their age and risk assessment levels.

2. Youth abusers aged below 16, or older youths who are caught for drug consumption for the first time and assessed to be of a low risk of reoffending, may be placed on the Youth Enhanced Supervision (YES) Scheme which is managed by Social Service Agencies (SSA) appointed by the Ministry of Social and Family Development. This scheme teaches youth abusers relapse prevention skills to help them desist from drug abuse. At the same time, they are required to undergo regular urine or hair tests conducted by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). YES Scheme caseworkers also work closely with the youths’ families and key stakeholders such as schools and community agencies, to create a supportive environment that sustains the youths’ progress and rehabilitation.

3. Youth abusers between the ages of 16 to below 21 who are assessed to have a moderate risk of reoffending will be placed in the Community Rehabilitation Centre (CRC). The CRC provides a structured living environment for them, allowing them to continue with their studies or work while undergoing rehabilitation in the community. In the CRC, youths are provided drug intervention programmes, casework and counselling services to build resilience against drug addiction and strengthen family ties. They will also undergo career counselling, life skills programmes, participate in sports activities and receive mentoring. This is to build up their social capital and support their reintegration back to the community. The CRC works with partners like the Community Development Councils, Family Service Centres, religious organisations and other SSA.

4. Youth abusers between the ages of 16 to below 21 who are assessed to have a high risk of reoffending or are repeat abusers, will undergo treatment and rehabilitation at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC). The DRC provides intensive rehabilitation tailored to the individual’s rehabilitation needs. This includes psychological-based interventions targeting drug use habits, family programmes that equip them with relationship skills, and vocational training to enhance employability.

5. As part of the DRC regime, the youths may be emplaced on community-based programmes to facilitate their reintegration into the community. Depending on their risk and reintegration needs, the youths may reside at home, a day-release camp or at a halfway house. During this phase, they will be subject to supervision conditions such as electronic monitoring, mandatory reporting, regular urine testing, and counselling. Singapore Prison Service’s Reintegration Officers also work closely with case managers to support the youths’ reintegration needs.

6. After their release from the DRC or CRC, the youths will be emplaced on a supervision order under CNB, and will undergo regular urine or hair tests to detect and deter relapse.