More offenders in Singapore getting counselling and mental health support before sentencing

Referrals have also increased steadily as the courts identify those who may benefit from psychological or social support.

In 2025, the courts referred 543 court users to community partners, up from 509 referrals in 2024 and 443 in 2023. Referrals are made when issues such as mental health difficulties, substance abuse, family dysfunction or harmful coping behaviours are identified.

Senior court social worker Natalie Tan said providing support before sentencing allows rehabilitation to begin sooner rather than later.

“Receiving interim support, like counselling, as they proceed with their court cases, can be very helpful for them to gain insights into their offending behaviours,” she said.

“It’s in line with the court’s commitment to a justice system that is not only punitive but also rehabilitative and restorative.”

BEYOND PUNISHMENT

C4P launched its Pathways to Accountability, Change and Transformation (PACT) programme in 2024 to support justice-involved individuals throughout the criminal justice process – from the point they are charged, through incarceration and eventually reintegration into society.

Beyond individual counselling, clients attend group therapy, participate in family sessions and receive continued support even after leaving prison.

Since its launch, PACT has worked with 235 people across offences ranging from sexual crimes and drug offences to scams, theft, assault, harassment and criminal intimidation.

Of those, 119 are now back in the community, having either completed the programme, reintegrated into society or had their cases with the centre formally closed.

According to the centre, only five participants have reoffended so far – a recidivism rate of less than 5 per cent. Ms Zehnder said the outcome is encouraging and reflects the programme’s impact.

Demand for the centre’s services has continued to grow. C4P took in 78 cases in the first half of this year, compared to 80 in the whole of 2025.

Since April, the centre has also partnered the Singapore Prison Service to continue counselling clients while they serve their prison sentences, ensuring support continues throughout their rehabilitation journey.

Ms Zehnder cautioned that rehabilitation is a long process and begins with accepting responsibility for one’s actions.

“It starts with accountability. If we don’t do that, then we don’t honour the wrong that has been done, and we don’t honour the victims or those who have been affected,” she said.

“If we can help (even one) person understand how (their action) has harmed themselves and others, and choose to stop harming, we’re making society better.”

The programme also works with victims, recognising that rehabilitation is not about excusing offending but preventing future harm.

Ms Zehnder believes early intervention also has broader social benefits. Children of offenders often experience instability or trauma when a parent enters the criminal justice system, increasing their own risk of offending later in life.

“Early intervention matters so much to lower the risk of reoffending, not only for the offender, but also prevents offending for the next generation as well,” she said.

“We help them to understand the path that took them to where they were, and then create a new path forward.”

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