Children’s Aid Society hopes to move into new home for abused kids by end-2027

SINGAPORE – The Children’s Aid Society held its ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of Melrose Village on March 27.

The facility, which will be built on the site of the charity’s old Melrose Home premises at 503 Clementi Road, is a residential care service and counselling centre for children and young people who have been through abuse or neglect.

When completed, it will feature a home-like environment for children and young people who have experienced trauma, with conducive spaces for studying and recreation, as well as easy access to professional therapy, said Mr Alvin Goh, executive director of the Children’s Aid Society.

The 5,697 sq m facility will be able to house up to 60 children and young people.

Demolition works will begin in 2025, and the Children’s Aid Society hopes to move in by the end of 2027.

Mr Goh said Melrose Village will integrate the charity’s residential care, Melrose Home, and therapeutic services, Melrose Care, providing an environment that fosters healing, growth and development.

Melrose Care, which is located in Woodlands, offers counselling and specialised therapies for those aged seven to 17, as well as their adult caregivers.

Minister for National Development Desmond Lee, the guest of honour at the ground-breaking ceremony, said the enhanced spaces at Melrose Village will better equip the Children’s Aid Society to integrate international best practices into its services, improving the quality of care for its young residents.

Said Mr Lee: “Ultimately, supporting children and young people who have been through challenging circumstances is a shared responsibility.

“While the Government provides strong safety nets and essential services, partnerships with organisations like Children’s Aid Society allow us to extend our reach and deepen our impact.”

The children’s home, which is Singapore’s oldest, moved from the Clementi Road building it had occupied for about 50 years to a temporary site in Boon Lay Avenue in 2019. It did this after the Clementi premises were deemed unsafe for habitation due to asbestos contamination.

Mr Goh said Melrose Home residents currently reside in a dormitory setting, but at Melrose Village, they will share small, apartment-like accommodation, each with its own kitchen and dining area.

There will also be facilities for studying, music, sports and recreational activities.

“So this will give residents a taste of what it’s like to live in a family-like setting with other people... When they leave care, they are more able to integrate into this kind of setting,” he added.

The Children’s Aid Society has raised over $16 million towards its $25 million fund-raising goal so far to build Melrose Village.

Melrose Home currently has 44 residents, most of whom are aged between 13 and 21 years old. Residents are referred to the home by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).

Mr Goh said the Children’s Aid Society works to help young people successfully reintegrate back into their family or into the community. He added that MSF has supported the charity with rental costs at Melrose Home’s temporary site in Boon Lay.

Among the donors and corporate partners for the construction of Melrose Village is the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation, which contributed $6.5 million towards the project in 2024.

Ms Elaine Low, chairperson of Low Tuck Kwong Foundation, said: “Melrose Village is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose.

“We are honoured to play a part in creating a space where children and youth receive the care and guidance they need to grow and thrive. We hope our contribution inspires others to step forward and be part of this collective effort.”