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SINGAPORE: Parents with intellectually-disabled kids can soon be better assured of long-term security for their children.
Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said the trusteeship scheme is taking shape.
Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) now have a new home, called MINDSville@Napiri, which integrates four services within a S$13-million building.
The government had contributed about S$12 million to its construction while the remaining S$1 million had come from corporate donors and well wishers.
The Children's Wing houses Singapore's first home for intellectually-disabled children.
Previously, these children, many from poor or broken families, lived in welfare homes that do not cater to the intellectually disabled.
Now they can undergo rehabilitation, behavioural modification, nursing care, counselling and therapy at the new quarters.
And there is more good news for parents.
Dr Balakrishnan said: "The other thing that's been gestating over the last two years is the Trusteeship Scheme. I'm sorry that we're not able to announce confirmed details of it. But I want to assure all of you that the various pieces of the jigsaw are falling into place.
"We should be able to assure parents that we can help you and your families look into the long-term security of your children as they grow old, as they become adults and as family circumstances change."
The new 6-storey building replaces two former MINDS homes at Thomson and West Coast.
At MINDSville@Napiri, the home programme provides accommodation, nursing care and rehabilitation for up to 220 adults with intellectual disability and high support needs, while the hostel programme provides short-term, residential-based care for those who cannot stay with their families.
The Napiri Training and Development Centre, which is housed in the same premise, also provides training for the intellectually disabled to pick up skills and reintegrate into the community.
- CNA/so
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