Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Whether a Separate Confinement Facility and Programme will Be Set Up for Incarcerated Adults With Special Needs

Question:

Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng : To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether the Ministry will set up a separate confinement facility and programme for adults with special needs such as intellectual challenges or autism who are incarcerated to ensure their safety and better outcomes upon their return to the community.

Answer:

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

1. The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) does not have a separate housing facility for inmates with intellectual disabilities or autism, as there are very few of such inmates. However, SPS does tailor the management of such inmates to meet their special needs. For example, SPS officers keep an eye on them and watch out for their safety by conducting periodic checks to ensure that they are not being abused by others. SPS also modifies the content and delivery of rehabilitation services and programmes for them.

2. In addition, SPS partners social service and community agencies to provide specialised reintegration support. For example, the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore’s Community Forensic Service provides case management support to inmates who are being released, on family, employment and financial matters.