MSF to increase fostering allowance from Sept 1 to better support foster families

SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said on Saturday (Aug 13) that it will increase the allowance given to foster families from Sept 1 to better support them in caring for foster children.

The monthly allowance will be increased from S$936 to S$1,100 for most foster children, and from S$1,114 to S$1,500 for foster children with special needs.

"The fostering allowance is intended to help foster families defray out-of-pocket costs of caring for a foster child," said MSF in a press statement. 

"The increase in fostering allowance for children with special needs will better support these children’s therapy, intervention, and transport needs."

This is in line with the ministry's continued efforts to help children in need grow up in safe and nurturing homes, it added. 

The increased rates will take effect from Sept 1 and benefit foster families caring for about 550 foster children.

This additional support will amount to S$1.5 million annually.

MSF said the proportion of children cared for by foster families has grown from about 29 per cent in 2013 to 51 per cent in 2021. 

It also noted that the number of foster families has more than doubled in the past 10 years. 

“The increased fostering allowance is part of a suite of measures to bolster support in caring for foster children, which includes childcare and healthcare subsidies, childcare leave and support from social workers," said Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli.

The increase in allowance, together with ongoing efforts to grow the fostering community, supports MSF’s vision to place more children requiring protection in family-based care instead of institutional care.

Foster families provide care for children in need on a temporary basis. The foster children are then reunited with their biological families when it is deemed safe to do so. CNA