Delivering Localised Assistance to Vulnerable Communities in Singapore

1. Delivering Localised Assistance to Vulnerable Communities in Singapore 4rd ASEAN + 3 Village Leaders Exchange Program 18 September 2016 – 24 September 2016 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this document are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), its Board of Directors, or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this document, and accept no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation or reference to a particular territory or geographical area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

2. Content

3. Singapore and her Growth

4. Towards inclusive development • Not everyone has benefitted equallyfrom Singapore’s economic growth • Adoption of two-pronged approach towards inclusive development Social Strategies

5. Economic Strategies • Human Capital Development: • Focus on Continuing Education and Training • Provision of opportunities for continuous learning throughout life e.g. Skillsfuture • Inclusive Workforce • Encourage employers to hires Singaporeans aged 55 years and above and Persons with Disabilities • Encourage professionals, managers, executives and technicians job seekers to re-skill

6. Social Strategies Five Key Pillars of Social Security

7. ComCare as a Key Social Safety Net • Anchor Operator • Private Operator • VWO – Tender Selection • ComCare Fund to provide sustainable funding for assistance programmes for low-income Singaporeans. • Assistance to stabilise during difficult times or as enabler to move up the social mobility ladder.

8. ComCare Scheme

9. Social Service Offices (SSOs) To Deliver Integrated and Customised Assistance to Local Communities )

10. Cases are increasingly complex Hoarding Family Violence Children with disabilities COMPLEX CASES Divorcees Elderly Parent has dementia BreadwinnerUnemployed

11. Need for Coordinated Approach

12. Towards a Regional Services Model Strong Coordination Continuous improvement in the coordination of MSF-run/MSF-funded social services Cost of Living Greater accessibility of Social Assistance services Social Media Global competition Economic Volatility Healthcare Cost Industry Restructuring A New Normal Low Wage Pressures Housing Prices Social Mobility Public Expectations Millennial Generation Widening income gap Low TFR Job Prospect Community Partners have more complete knowledge of the available resources Government Reserves Social Safety Net Rising Divorce Rate Closer relationship with the community and partners Increased Immigration Economic Growth Urbanisation Ageing Better-planned programmes/ schemes More ground info/feedback channelled back to HQ

13. SSOs islandwide at a glance… Each Social Service Office will serve a “Town”

14. Functions of SSOs Social Service Office Regional Services Social Assistance • Assess client holistically to better understand needs • Administer ComCare if client is eligible • Work with partners if needed • Ground sensing • Regional social services planning and delivery • Regional integration and coordination

15. Overview of Regional Services Pillars in Regional Social Services Functions 15

16. Family Service Centres (Overview of their roles and functions)

17. 47 Family Service Centres Collaborate with key stakeholders to help individuals and families, especially the vulnerable and needy population, obtain needed resources Run by Voluntary Welfare Organisations Supported by MSF, NCSS Community Chestand/or Singapore Totalisator Board Community-based social work agencies that enhance individual/ family’s ability to cope with their personal, social and emotional challenges. Long-term goal is for families served to achieve independence, resilience and stability.

18. Services Provided by FSCs include Integrated Practice

19. Senior Cluster Network (Overview of their roles and functions)

20. Senior Cluster Network (SCN) Cluster Operator (CO) Office Nexus to facilitate service integration Senior Activity Centre (Cluster Support) [SAC(CS)] Case Management, Care Plan, Home Visits by neighbours Up to 10 Senior Activity Centres (Rental) [SAC(R)] Outreach, Prevention Up to 5 Senior Group Home [SGH] Assisted Living Home Care Services Other Support Programmes Befriending Gero-Counselling • Low-income and/or Vulnerable Seniors • Aged 60 and above • Low-income: Live in HDB Rental Flat • Vulnerable: No/low family support with complex social needs 20

21. Senior Cluster Network Key Services 21

22. SOCIAL SERVICE OFFICE PARTNERSHIPS SENIOR CLUSTER NETWORK SOCIAL SERVICE OFFICES FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES GRLs Ministries GRASSROOTS National Council of Social Service MSF Divisions (E.g. Service Planning or Policy Divisions) OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES Interface with MSF Interface with external agencies Statutory Boards FSCs COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS

23. Working Together GOVERNMENT COMMUNITY Working with partners to ensure social assistance delivery in ComCare schemes, family services and eldercare Senior Cluster Networks GRLs Voluntary Welfare Organisations 23

24. “We all hope Singapore will always remain the best home for ourselves, our families and our children.” Mr Lee HsienLoong Singapore Prime Minister 24

25. THANK YOU • www.msf.gov.sg