A specialised children’s agency and beefed-up counselling resources were among the proposals raised by MPs on 14 October to help vulnerable individuals and ensure that they get the support they need amid the current crisis and beyond.
Mr Don Wee (Chua Chu Kang GRC) called for an equivalent of the Agency for Integrated Care – which supports seniors and their caregivers – to supervise, mentor and foster underprivileged children.
Ms Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar GRC) suggested the Government support vulnerable families by channelling more resources into counselling services and mutual support networks backed by experienced professionals and other community partners.
Both MPs were speaking during the debate on the Government’s strategy to emerge stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic, which was outlined by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat in his ministerial statement in Parliament on 5 October.
“What we need is effective oversight for children in low-income families to ensure that they are receiving these essentials,” he said.
“In a knowledge-intensive future, these children will not stand a chance if they live in overcrowded flats with access to borrowed equipment, limited or slow connectivity, and minimal adult supervision and guidance.”
Speaking after him, Ms Pereira emphasised the importance of the Government letting vulnerable families know that they are not alone, by creating networks for them to get tips and encouragement from professionals and community partners alike.
She also urged additional help for the “sandwiched” class – in particular, young families who might have been starting out in their careers when the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
Ms Cheryl Chan (East Coast GRC) had also highlighted the need to aid vulnerable groups such as low-wage workers, seniors and the special needs community.
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Source: The Straits Times, 15 October 2020