SINGAPORE, March 16 — Young people leaving Singapore’s residential care system often encounter major difficulties when transitioning to independent living, especially in finding housing and managing their finances.
A report by Singapore’s CNA highlighted the experience of Edward — not his real name — who moved out of a home at 19 and faced many of the hurdles common among youths ageing out of institutional care.
Residential care facilities provide accommodation and supervision for children and adolescents who cannot remain with their families due to circumstances such as abuse, neglect or other difficult home environments.
“I’ve won in life already,” he was quoted as saying, regarding his thoughts when he first moved into a rented flat with three others he had grown up with at the home.
However, the sense of freedom quickly gave way to financial pressures as he struggled to cover rent and daily expenses, occasionally borrowing money from a flatmate to get by.
“It was a big reality (check). We had no clue (about) the cost … of living outside,” he reportedly said.
