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SINGAPORE, March 16 \u2014 Young people leaving Singapore\u2019s residential care system often encounter major difficulties when transitioning to independent living, especially in finding housing and managing their finances.<\/p>\n
A report by Singapore\u2019s CNA<\/em> highlighted the experience of Edward \u2014 not his real name \u2014 who moved out of a home at 19 and faced many of the hurdles common among youths ageing out of institutional care.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve won in life already,\u201d he was quoted as saying, regarding his thoughts\u00a0when he first moved into a rented flat with three others he had grown up with at the home.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a big reality (check). We had no clue (about) the cost \u2026 of living outside,\u201d he reportedly said.<\/p>\n The report said roughly 500 children and youths are currently in residential care in Singapore, with around 30 individuals each year reaching the age of 21 without being able to return to their families.<\/p>\n For some, unstable housing becomes an immediate concern, leading them to temporarily stay with friends or return to unsafe family environments.<\/p>\n Others may remain in unhealthy relationships simply to avoid losing a place to stay, said Melrose Home acting head Soh Ying Si.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen survival becomes the priority, education and long-term career plans often take a back seat,\u201d she was quoted as saying.<\/p>\n To support youths making the transition to adulthood, the Children\u2019s Aid Society (CAS) introduced the Thrive21+ initiative in 2022.<\/p>\n The three-year programme includes a housing component that allows participants with little or no family support to share a rented flat for up to two years.<\/p>\n Under the arrangement, CAS helps cover costs such as rent and utilities while participants contribute an amount based on their own financial plans.<\/p>\n Even with institutional backing, finding a landlord willing to rent to the group proved difficult.<\/p>\n \u201cTo put it very bluntly, they\u2019re scared that at that age, the (youths) will trash their place,\u201d property agent Patrick Yin said.<\/p>\n Now 22, Edward holds a full-time job and rents another flat through Singapore\u2019s Joint Singles Scheme, after learning to better manage his spending and financial responsibilities.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n