By Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Education, MP for Nee Soon GRC
The topic of social and welfare assistance is a sensitive and emotive one. Many debates have invoked a variety of approaches to it. It ranges from cold, hard academic data to the fuzzy, emotional arguments. Like with many things, the challenge lies in seeking a balance that benefits both the recipient and the country in the long-run. To ignore the latter, would mean running the risk of adopting short-term and populist policies.
In Parliament I spoke about how we have strengthened our social assistance policies and delivery. To better serve those in need, we take in consideration the facts, data and research, but equally important is caring for the well-being of our recipients. The approach is holistic.
Our approach looks at
(a) improving access to our touch-points, their flexibility and effectiveness,
(b) linking up various social organisations to serve those with complex needs; and
(c) providing assistance customised to the needs of the family.
For a start, we put in place the infrastructure – the Social Service Offices (SSO). Within the past three years, we have increased its presence. Today, 90% of SSO beneficiaries living in HDB towns can access an SSO within 2km of their home or workplace. This allows them convenient access to our SSO officers.
AP Faishal at the opening of the SSO in Yishun.
Like our beneficiaries, SSO officers too need our support. Their job is emotionally challenging and they try their best. On our part we must help them develop professional and also provide the tools and framework to protect them in the event of abuse. We believe that both officers and beneficiaries must show mutual respect for each other.
In the coming years, SSOs will take on a larger role to coordinate support for families with more complex financial and social needs – employment, family services, housing, healthcare and well-being.
In order for social assistance schemes to remain sustainable and succeed in uplifting individuals and families, it must go beyond the State. The community plays an equally important role. Our social assistance scheme for low-income individuals and families is ComCare – a name that reminds us that care has to be paired with community support to succeed. Nearly 42,000 households in Singapore receive ComCare assistance each year.
Long-term assistance is provided to those who are unable to work, with no means of income and limited or no family support. They are usually our elderly. It includes
Cash assistance for basic living expenses
Additional assistance for recurring expenses, like medical consumables
One-off purchase of basic household appliances or assistive devices
Free medical treatment at polyclinics and public hospitals
Social support, services and befrienders in the community.
Many beneficiaries stay in heavily subsidised HDB rental flats.
AP Faishal giving out WeCare packs to needy residents during the haze.
Short-to-medium term assistance focuses on helping individuals and families regain their footing and rebuild their self-confidence and self-reliance. Each household is different and the approach is to work closely with them to meet their needs. The package goes beyond cash assistance to cover one’s basic living expenses. Our officers also work closely with other agencies to look at their housing, caregiving, employment, family support and healthcare needs.
As we work towards building a more inclusive society, we are extending help to other groups. Conversations have been on-going to explore how we can engage vulnerable seniors, youths-at-risk, and persons with disabilities more meaningfully. And there are concrete plans in place such as the Enabling Masterplan for persons with disabilities that will address:
Realising their full potential by helping them through early intervention, education, employment, lifelong learning and healthcare.
Improving service delivery and quality.
Helping their families and caregivers.
Smoothening the transitions across different services.
Enhancing accessibility in public spaces and community integration through education, technology, and sports.
Regardless of their status, every Singaporean deserves our attention. To be an effectively inclusive society, all Singaporeans must play a part. The importance of it cannot be overstated. Caregiving cannot be restricted to the state or caregivers alone. The community must understand, appreciate and support those who need help. The community must play an active role to help those in need.