Helping Youths in Care Transition to Independence: New Research Partnership with Children's Aid Society
Around 600 children and adolescents in Singapore are in residential care due to abuse or neglect. While most eventually reintegrate with their families, those who are unable to would age out into independent living when they turn 21. This critical stage of transition in life could be especially daunting for these youths as they juggle education, finances, housing and other demands of independent living, with limited support.
To address this, Children’s Aid Society (CAS) has launched the Thrive21+ pilot to empower youths ageing out of care to become productive and responsible adults. Through a research collaboration with CAS, Quantedge Foundation will conduct an evaluation of the pilot's Housing Programme component and analyse the local housing policy landscape to identify potential opportunities for improving housing access and support for these youths.
To address this, Children’s Aid Society (CAS) has launched the Thrive21+ pilot to empower youths ageing out of care to become productive and responsible adults. Through a research collaboration with CAS, Quantedge Foundation will conduct an evaluation of the pilot's Housing Programme component and analyse the local housing policy landscape to identify potential opportunities for improving housing access and support for these youths.
Launched in 2022, CAS’ Thrive21+ aims to support youths’ transition into independent living by developing them in the areas of educational attainment, asset-building, employment, financial literacy and other life skills.
The Housing Programme is a key component of Thrive21+. With the support of social workers, the youths will rent an apartment together with other youths who have aged out of care, and co-pay the living expenses.
The Housing Programme is a key component of Thrive21+. With the support of social workers, the youths will rent an apartment together with other youths who have aged out of care, and co-pay the living expenses.
We are partnering CAS to conduct a qualitative evaluation of the Housing Programme, to understand the housing needs of this group of youths, the impact of the Housing Programme on their wellbeing and transition out of care and explore the ways to scale and sustain the Housing Programme. At the same time, our research will analyse potential opportunities to enhance our housing policies to better support the housing needs of those who age out of care.
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