Police to train teachers, social workers to spot signs of youth gang involvement

A study by MSF and the National Council of Social Service found that children whose parents were incarcerated were 3.9 times as likely to offend, compared with children who had non-offending parents.

A separate study conducted by the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) found that one in five children of drug abusers went on to commit offences.

“So the link is quite clear, and we need to do what we can to break that link, that intergenerational link,” Mr Tong said.

To provide greater support for families, SPS and MSF will strengthen inter-agency case coordination to ensure that timely, holistic assistance is given when an offender is incarcerated.

“The earlier we do this, the more upstream we go, the more likely it is that we will have success,” Mr Tong said.

SPS will also work closely with government and community agencies to provide comprehensive, family-focused support, helping offenders strengthen family ties and reintegrate with their families upon release.

“Through these NCPR initiatives, we hope to walk alongside individuals and families at every stage of life, creating a strong ripple effect that extends far beyond any single programme or any single recommendation,” he added.