Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Family”
Dear Friends, In 1991, we operated the Bukit Ho Swee Family Service Centre which was one of the first 4 pilot FSCs in Singapore. The FSC was conceptualised as a one-stop facility in response to the existing and emerging social needs of a locality. A few years later, the FSC focused on promoting the well-being of families as the basic …
Dear Friend, Many years ago, a mother with 3 very young children came to our door seeking assistance. An older colleague who used to work elsewhere took me aside and heaved a sigh. She told me that she was the caseworker for this woman’s mother at her previous place of employment and it pains her to see this woman in …
Dear Friends, I was mistaken that last Sunday was Mother’s Day and I sent out our greetings a tad too early. Nonetheless, the mistake has given me the opportunity to hear a single mom speak about her motherhood experiences. After listening to her, I started thinking that when Mother’s Day is celebrated in the media with stories of exemplary mothering, …
Dear friend, 20 months ago, a colleague was knocking on doors to meet students taking their “N” Level examinations and to wish them well. It was her way of establishing a relationship with young people in the neighbourhood that she had not met and reconnecting with those already on our database. Amy, 16 years old, was not at home but …
Dear friends, Tomorrow evening, many families marking the Chinese New Year will be having a reunion dinner. This is considered the most important family dinner of the year that honours the virtues of family togetherness and harmony, filial piety, and respect for the hierarchy in familial relationships. This was explained to our children at our child development centre as we …
Dear friends, 2 brothers who lost their mother suddenly have been in the care of their father the past month (AWB – 2146). Dad’s exclusion order from the family home was lifted, and he is currently supporting his family by working as a safe-entry inspector at a hawker centre. The hours are long, but he is allowed to leave his post in …
Dear friends, About 3 weeks ago, we received the sad news that 2 brothers who come to our programmes lost their mother suddenly. The social worker who is supporting them arranged for the 17-year-old to live with an aunt, and for his 11-year-old brother to stay with a friend of their late mother. But the 11-year-old’s living arrangement was soon …
Dear friends, Hope you had a good Deepavali holiday and may the festival of lights bring you many blessings, healing, and love. I started writing this weekly message in 2005 as a way for my team and I to reflect on our work, and where possible, celebrate a small success that energises us for the week ahead. This routine has …
Dear Friends, Faced with charges relating to rioting, mischief, causing hurt, failure to comply with the conditions of a provisional driving licence and riding a motorcycle without insurance, Morris, 19 years old believes that he is heading for jail. A report filed in March, by a probation officer assessed that Morris is not suitable for probation. Following which, a pre-sentencing assessment …
Dear Friends, Today, Singapore moves another step toward a new normal which is COVID-19 Safe. Eateries will be opened for dining-in and I know several of my colleagues will be going out for a meal. “Takeaway food is just not the same,” they tell me and eating out is one thing they have missed since 7 April 2020. Small group social activities …
