We understand the importance of respite care for low-income families in Singapore, as it offers them assistance during challenging times. Sanctuary Care provides respite care services for young children from families with limited or no suitable social support systems during times of crisis. This allows primary caregivers time and space to work towards resolving urgent challenges, such as medical emergencies, financial needs and more. We work with the family and the community social workers to determine the duration of placement and the family’s specific needs. Our partners include Social Service Offices (SSOs), Family Service Centres (FSCs), hospitals, and shelters.
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By providing care and shelter for children for up to 90 days, primary caregivers can address their challenges and regain stability, knowing their child is safe and well-cared for.
Our respite care services cater to infants and children up to 8 years of age. We ensure age-appropriate care and attention, creating a warm, family-like environment where children feel safe, supported, and valued throughout their stay.
With our respite care services, primary caregivers can ensure regular contact and bonding with their child. For respite care arrangements extending beyond a week, children return home weekly to spend time with their families. This helps maintain vital family connections and supports a smooth transition back home when the crisis is resolved.
We work closely with parents and respite carers to maintain the child’s daily routines as much as possible, from meal times to bedtime rituals. This consistency helps children feel secure and promotes healthy habits. Additionally, our carers provide opportunities for learning, play, and social development, supporting the child’s overall growth during their time in respite care.
The ARC programme adopts a child-centric framework and functions to provide an interim respite care support for the parents as they work towards resolving their own crises. Through direct support for the child, the community social worker is then able to work with parents to establish longer-term support systems, such as vocational, familial, and medical accommodations.
The OARS programme focuses on developing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in young children through engaging activities. It is a half-day activity conducted on the weekend and is designed for children aged 7 to 11 years old. Our OARS programme equips children with essential life skills while allowing parents to have some caregiving respite.
Through various roadshows and online campaigns, we actively engage the public to raise awareness about our services, educate them on coping skills to manage parental stress, and provide essential items and support. Initiatives such as the Milk and Diaper Run (MDR), aim to alleviate the financial strain on struggling families, ensuring their basic needs are met. These programmes have made a significant difference, offering assistance to hundreds of families in need.
Respite care offers short-term support for children whose primary caregivers are facing a crisis. On the other hand, fostering provides temporary care and support on a long-term basis, while adoption is a permanent legal arrangement.
In short, respite caregivers provide support during crises, foster parents provide temporary assistance, and adoptive parents provide a forever home. We are one of the non-profit organisations in Singapore for youth that caters to distinct needs within the child welfare framework.
The duration of a child's respite care with Boys’ Town depends on individual circumstances and needs. It can range from short-term breaks to longer periods (recurring up to 90 days), providing essential support during family crises and ensuring the child's well-being while parents resolve challenges.
Boys' Town provides respite care for children from newborn infants up to the age of 8. This age range ensures that our services cater to young ones during critical developmental stages, offering essential support for families facing crises and contributing to the child's well-being and stability.
Boys' Town maintains regular contact between the children in our respite care programme and their natural families through weekly updates, scheduled visits, calls, or meetings. We recognise the importance of preserving family relationships while ensuring the child's safety and well-being. Open communication and engagement are prioritised, facilitating a supportive environment for the child and their natural family during respite care.
Respite caregivers at Boys' Town receive comprehensive support, including training, guidance, and resources. We provide essential knowledge and skills to ensure caregivers are well-equipped to offer nurturing care. Ongoing assistance, regular check-ins, and access to a network of professionals ensure respite caregivers have the necessary tools to create a safe and supportive environment for the children under their care.
Boys’ Town Sanctuary Care supports families facing crises, including medical emergencies and financial challenges. We provide respite care services to low-income families, ensuring that vulnerable infants and children have a safe and nurturing environment during these critical times. Our goal is to support these families in overcoming their difficulties while safeguarding the well-being of the children involved.
Boys' Town offers respite care on both short-term and longer-term bases. Our services are tailored to the needs of families facing crises. Whether you can provide respite care for a few hours a day or a recurring arrangement, your support contributes significantly to ensuring the well-being and stability of the children under our care.
Boys' Town delivers immediate support and guidance in case of challenges or issues during respite care. Our dedicated team collaborates closely with caregivers to address any concerns. We conduct regular meetings and check-ins to provide our respite caregivers with a platform where they can discuss any issues or challenges they are facing. We also keep an open line of communication to encourage our caregivers, the children, and the families in our respite care programme to ensure that challenges are promptly resolved, creating a positive and nurturing environment for the child in need.