SINGAPORE - A new tool to identify abuse in vulnerable adults has been rolled out by the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

The tool, which includes a checklist and a screening test, helps caregivers and volunteers spot cases of psychological, physical and financial abuse through a series of questions.

It first helps to define a suspected victim's mental state and checks for lucidity and coherence.

About 250 people from some 80 agencies including grassroots organisations, special schools and family service centres have attended five training sessions conducted by family violence specialist centres since the checklist started as a pilot project in May. At an event on Tuesday, the Ministry said that it hopes to reach out to another 150 people by next year.