Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Measures to Support Families and Friends of Self-Radicalised Youths

Question:

Ms Joan Pereira: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether holistic measures are in place to support the families and friends of self-radicalised youths, including psychological, financial and social support, even after the youths have been released from detention.

Answer:

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

1. When a youth is dealt with under the Internal Security Act (ISA) , an Internal Security Department (ISD) aftercare officer is assigned to the family. The aftercare officer will provide social support to the family, and work with community partners such as the Inter-Agency Aftercare Group to provide the family with financial support, if necessary. Religious counselling, psychological support and other rehabilitation initiatives are also extended to the family members where appropriate. For instance, in the case of the self-radicalised 14-year-old youth who was issued with a Restriction Order in June 2024, ISD will be arranging for him and his parents to be enrolled in cyber-wellness programmes to sensitise them to the dangers of online radicalisation.

2. Friends of youths dealt with under the ISA who need psychological or social support can approach their schools.