More youth offenders benefit from rehabilitation programmes meant to keep them crime-free
About 94 per cent who completed the guidance programme - a key diversionary programme aimed at rehabilitating youth offenders under the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) - in 2018 were still clear of trouble three years later.

More youth offenders are staying crime-free with the help of rehabilitation that keeps them in the community. (Illustration: iStock/Ponomariova Maria)
SINGAPORE: Teenager “Ryan” had no other means to get home one day in 2020 and found himself stealing an unlocked bicycle.
A few days later, the 19-year-old was caught. He was given a conditional warning and placed in a guidance programme which kept his case out of court.
For six months, social workers guided him to learn responsibility for his actions and emotions.
Speaking to CNA on the condition of anonymity to avoid any repercussions of his crime, he said that the programme introduced him to people who saw him in a better light.
"When I got here, it made me feel like there are people who are supporting me. Because before this, I feel like there's a lot of people who will give me a different type of look. They'll see me just like a naughty boy,” he told CNA.
“When I came to the guidance programme, that's where I saw that there are people who will see you differently.”
The social worker assigned to him has helped him cope with negative thoughts, he added.
“He said if you have negative thoughts, you fight back with positive thoughts … you must play with your own mind,” he said.
YOUTH REHABILITATION
More youth offenders like Ryan are staying crime-free with the help of rehabilitation that keeps them in the community.
Ninety-four per cent completed the guidance programme - a key diversionary programme aimed at rehabilitating youth offenders under the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) - in 2022. This was the highest completion rate in any given year since 2018, when integrated service providers were roped in to help with at-risk youth and youth offenders.
Of those who completed the programme in 2018, 94 per cent were still clear of trouble three years later.
MSF said this is up from an average of 92.4 per cent over the previous three cohorts.
Each provider runs a suite of services for troubled youths living in their region.
BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP
Caseworker from integrated service provider Care Corner Youth Services Sarita Pillai said that the diversionary programmes are typically for youth who have committed minor offences including theft, fighting and trespassing.
While there is much to teach the youths, life skills including taking responsibility for actions and conflict resolution, it is building a relationship with them that tends to be the vehicle for change, she said.
“When they (first come to us), they're more guarded. They find it hard to trust. So we build the foundation by actively communicating that we don't see them through the lens of what they've done,” she said.
“We care for them. We want to support them through the programme. We do that by building relationships with them first and also seeking to understand the reasons behind why they committed the offences or behind their behaviours,” she added.

However, the job is not without its challenges, she said, with some dropping out or struggling with the compulsory curfew as it means changing their lifestyle or losing their friends.
They may also struggle with their emotions.
"The topics that we talk about may bring up certain negative emotions for these youths … they clam up because it's difficult to think about (these difficult circumstances), it's too vulnerable for them. And when they clam up, they may avoid coming for sessions or avoid even talking during these sessions,” she said.
INCLUDING MORE YOUTH OFFENDERS
Even as MSF explores other categories of youth offenders who could potentially benefit from early intervention programmes, Ryan said that the programme is only as good as the participants want it to be.
“The youths, they also need to put in the effort. For me since I put in the effort, I really feel that the programme is fun,” he said.
He said he enjoys the programme because it gives him space to talk about what is weighing on his mind, he said.
“I feel like whatever I have in my mind, I can just tell my social worker because I trust him,” he said.
The aspiring aerospace engineer is also focusing on his studies and rebuilding his relationship with his family.
"Last time he was very naughty, never listen to anything. Then he went for this programme, (he became) very happy, I'm happy, he will listen to what I say,” his mother, who did not want to be named, told CNA.
Ms Pillai said support from families, schools and the community can make a big difference in these youths overcoming hurdles. Such support also helps youths keep on the straight and narrow after their programme ends, she added.
The journey of change takes time, she said, encouraging families of youth offenders to be patient.
“When mistakes are made, instead of rushing to dish out certain consequences, (they may want to) take a pause to understand why they have resorted to certain actions and help them to process the consequences of their actions,” she said.