Goh Pei Ming on possible expansion of screening framework to unregulated sectors to better protect minors

Individuals applying for roles involving sustained contact with children and young persons are screened for past offences, including convictions for sexual offences, if these roles are regulated by public agencies. There is presently no requirement for employers in unregulated sectors to verify the criminal records of employees. However, they may request that prospective employees declare any past offences and take this into consideration in their hiring decision. The government has been considering, for some time, the possible expansion of the scope of screening to cover more types of roles involving contact with children and young persons, including whether to introduce voluntary screening for unregulated sectors. This could take the form of a certificate-based system. It has to consider areas such as the practicability of such screening requirements and whether employers will be able to handle them. Senior Minister of State for Social and Family Development and Home Affairs Goh Pei Ming, who announced this in reply to parliamentary questions on Tuesday (Sep 8), said more details will be shared when they are ready.