For subscribers
A ray of hope for juveniles: The need for proposed changes to law on youth offenders
Older youth offenders could be offered rehabilitation and foster parents may get childcare leave as part of proposed changes to the Children and Young Persons Act. Social workers, former youth offenders and foster parents tell The Sunday Times why the changes are necessary.
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Placing older youth offenders in rehabilitation and community-based care instead of prison allows them to receive more positive influence and guidance, say social workers.
TNP FILE PHOTO
Rahimah Rashith, Goh Yan Han
Social workers and others working with children have welcomed a move to change a law which covers youth offenders, saying it will give those under 18 years old more opportunities to rehabilitate and afford them legal protection.
Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee had tabled a Bill in Parliament on Aug 5, proposing changes to the Children and Young Persons Act.
