We understand the importance of respite care in offering assistance during challenging times, particularly for low-income families in Singapore. Sanctuary Care helps the low-income families with limited or no suitable social support systems by providing their young children with respite care services while the families work towards resolving their crisis such as medical emergencies, financial needs and more. We work with the family and the community social workers to ascertain the duration of placement and the needs of the family. Our partners include Family Service Centres (FSCs), hospitals, and shelters.
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We provide care and shelter for children for up to 90 days so that families facing crises have the time to address their challenges and regain stability, knowing their child is safe and well-cared for.
We offer care and shelter for infants and children up to 8 years of age.
We ensure regular contact and bonding with the natural family. Children in respite care arrangements that extend beyond a week will return home to their families every week. 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 preserve as much of the child's home routine as possible and encourage the development of healthy habits.
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 our direct support for the child, the community social worker is then able to work with parents to put in place longer-term support systems (eg. vocational, familial, and medical accommodation).
The OARS programme looks into building Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in young children through engaging monthly activities. It is a half-day activity designed for children aged 7 to 9. Our activities equip the children with essential life skills while allowing parents to have some caregiving respite.
Through various onsite and online campaigns, we actively engage the public to raise awareness about our services, educate them on effective parenting skills and provide essential items and support. Initiatives such as the Festival of Children (FOC) and 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 caregiving offers short-term breaks for families, fostering provides temporary care and support, while adoption is a permanent legal arrangement. Respite caregivers provide support during crises, foster parents provide temporary assistance, and adoptive parents provide a forever home. Our residential children’s home 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, and 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.
Sanctuary Care assists families facing crises like medical emergencies or 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.
New respite caregivers receive comprehensive training and valuable resources from Boys' Town. These resources include guidance on child care, communication, and crisis management. We aim to equip caregivers with the essential skills to provide children with a safe and nurturing environment under their supervision. Regular check-ins and ongoing support ensure that caregivers feel confident and well-prepared to offer respite care to children in need.
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 offers 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.
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