Structured intervention pathways for managing serious sexual or violence cases, especially those involving children or sustained pattern of harm

Question:

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs what mandatory follow-ups or structured intervention pathways are in place to manage serious cases such as sexual misconduct, and violence involving children below the mini mum age of criminal responsibility, particularly if there are multiple victim reports or sustained patterns of harm.


Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility (MACR) recognises that children under a certain age are not mature enough to fully understand the nature and consequences of their conduct, and, as such, should not be held criminally liable for their actions.

2. When the Police respond to cases involving children below the MACR, their priority is therefore to ensure the safety of parties involved, especially during the onset of the incident, while facilitating the child’s rehabilitation and well-being. To support the offending child’s rehabilitation, there are existing referral mechanisms to provide support and interventions. Police may refer the case to the child’s school, where appropriate, for follow-ups, which can include disciplinary action or restorative act ions to mend relationships between involved students. Police can also refer cases to a Family Service Centre, which will work with the family on improving family functioning issues, or to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), for assessment on any mental disorder that may have contributed to the child’s behaviour.

3. Families also play a crucial role in supporting their child’s rehabilitation. Schools and agencies will work closely with the parents to support their child at home. However, in cases where the offending child has serious behavioural challenges, parents or guardians can also consider applying for a Family Guidance Order. The Youth Court can then mandate interventions such as counselling or place the child under statutory supervision or admit the child into a home gazetted under the Children and Young Persons Act.