Adjournment motion on child safety and well-being

Develop a national framework for protecting children which spells out how the Government, private sector and social services can work together to ensure that kids and young people in Singapore reach their full potential by growing up safe and supported, free from harm and neglect. Introduce child impact assessments as a systematic process to evaluate the impact of any proposed law, policy or programme on children. Establish a dedicated office for children - something that already exists in more than 50 countries worldwide. These suggestions were made by NMP Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim in Parliament on Monday (Nov 6), with the aim of taking the next step to promote and protect children’s safety and well-being. Responding, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua said children in Singapore are thriving, as shown by surveys done by the National Council of Social Service using a global standard. He outlined the support available to create strong families, so that they can be safe havens for children and nurture their development. Mr Chua said the Government already adopts the principle of the child’s best interests in its laws and policies, whose implementation is overseen by an inter-ministry committee.