Higher monthly allowance from October for Singapore families fostering teenagers

SINGAPORE – Foster parents will be given more financial support from October as part of efforts by the Government to encourage more people to take on the role.

Those caring for teenagers aged 13 and above will get a monthly fostering allowance of $1,300 per child, up from $1,100.

The allowance for foster parents caring for teenagers with special or medical needs will be raised from $1,500 to $1,800, to cover the additional costs of therapy, intervention and transport.

The higher allowance, to be paid from November, is expected to benefit around 130 foster teenagers and their foster parents, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said in a statement on Aug 23.

Announcing these updates, Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming said: “Children who have experienced trauma often have higher social and emotional needs. This can be even more pronounced for teenagers, who are going through a complex and formative stage of life.

“We want to increase the number of foster families caring for our teens.”

He added: “We recognise that the cost of caring for teenagers is often higher than for younger children, from food to expenses on transport, telecommunications and recreational activities.”

He was speaking on Aug 23 at the Fostering Open House 2025 held at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre.

As at December 2024, there were 530 foster children and 633 foster families, said MSF.

Mr Goh said about 130 of these children are aged 13 and above.

Yet, there are more than twice as many in residential care, such as children’s homes, he added.

The Fostering Scheme supports children and youth aged below 18 who have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment and require alternative care.

Foster care is temporary, and the goal is to reunite foster children with their birth families, once their birth parents are assessed to be able to care for them safely.

To widen the pool of eligible foster parents, MSF has since July 2024 removed the minimum household income and educational requirement for applicants.

The ministry said that the ability to provide a safe, stable and nurturing home is not determined by income or academic qualifications alone.

Apart from financial support, foster care workers will receive more training to support youth, to help foster parents caring for teenagers.

Mr Goh said teenagers in foster care face complex challenges as they navigate peer relationships, academic pressures and social influences, often needing time to rebuild trust with adults after past trauma.

He cited the journey of Ms Pauline Dominique Ching Alejado, now 23, who was placed in a children’s home at the age of 13. She was later moved to foster care at 16 under the care of Mr Jason Gwee and his wife Irene Leow.

“At first, it wasn’t easy for Irene and Jason to build a relationship with Pauline, as she was naturally afraid of forming connections with strangers.

“Through their patience, understanding and consistent support, Pauline gradually grew and rebuilt her confidence. She found a family and a home with them, and was able to heal and to dream again,” said Mr Goh.

Speaking to The Straits Times, the couple said their decision to foster was shaped by their faith journey that started in 2015, when the idea of caring for strangers resonated strongly with them. MSF’s call for foster parents came at the same time, and they felt moved to act.

The couple said fostering a teenager was daunting at first. At that time, their own biological daughter was in primary school. Parenting courses at church and training from MSF helped them. But the real test came two years into Ms Alejado’s placement, when she became withdrawn and refused to speak to them.

“They just continued to love me, even though I did not respond to them,” said Ms Alejado, who is pursuing a degree in accountancy at the Singapore University of Social Sciences.

Having her foster parents’ support made all the difference. “They knew that I struggled with a lot of insecurity. So, they have always reassured me that I am part of this family and even if I make mistakes, they will always forgive me,” she said.

When she turned 21 in 2023 and aged out of foster care, she chose to stay with Mr Gwee and Madam Leow.

“Since the start, they have reassured me that they are willing to care for me as long as I want them to. The feeling is mutual... I see them like my own family and I felt that leaving them would be very strange,” said Ms Alejado.

Mr Gwee and Madam Leow said the increase in fostering allowances is timely, given the higher costs of raising teenagers, but noted that monetary support is not the primary motivation.

Having community support and networks for foster parents to share experiences are just as important, said Mr Gwee, 52, a legal adviser.

The couple, who have three biological children, have fostered both teens and toddlers. While the challenges differ – sleepless nights and baby cries versus arguments and cold shoulders – both are equally tough and rewarding, they said.

Ms Alejado added: “For a child who has experienced a lot of instability and pain, (foster) parents being present is one of the most valuable gifts you can offer. You don’t have to be perfect, you just need to be present.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my foster parents who opened their door and their hearts to me. They showed me the love I have always yearned for, but felt I didn’t deserve. I hope many more children will be able to experience this love and security in a family.”