Pertapis Children's Home facing allegations of staff giving children inappropriate physical punishments

Pertapis Children's Home facing allegations of staff giving children inappropriate physical punishments

SINGAPORE - In a media release on Friday, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said it had received some information about some children in the home receiving inappropriate physical punishment from some of the home's staff members. It filed a police report, and the police are now investigating the matter.


Get the full story from The Straits Times.

Here is the press release from the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF):

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has received information that some children residing in the PERTAPIS Children's Home (PCH) may have been inappropriately punished physically by some staff of PCH. After reviewing the information, MSF has filed a report with the Singapore Police Force (Police). The Police have commenced investigations on the matter.

The Ministry's paramount concern and priority is the safety and well-being of the children. Our officers are providing appropriate emotional and psychological support to the affected children and their families.

The Ministry will not condone or tolerate any conduct or practice that compromises children's safety and well-being. It has directed PCH to take immediate actions to safeguard the welfare of the children in the Home. These include taking active steps to improve child management practices in the Home, as well as re-deploying five staff to facilities not involving children, pending investigations. PCH has complied with the directives.

MSF has also directed PCH to work with the Ministry to review the Home's systems, processes, practices and supervision. In the interim, the Home will not be allowed to admit new residents.

MSF urges all community partners to exercise care and vigilance to safeguard the safety and well-being of our children. Given that Police investigations are ongoing, the Ministry is unable to provide further details at this point in time.

 

 

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