Support for the Vulnerable

(Ministry of Health)

  • Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health whether there are plans to expand the Dementia Go-To Point network and its related public awareness initiatives to support the expedient safe return of persons with disabilities, such as children with autism, who may be similarly disoriented or lost in the community.

    Mr Ong Ye Kung: Dementia Go-To Points (GTPs) serve as designated safe-return points for persons living with dementia who may be found wandering in the community. Trained staff at GTPs will assist in safely reuniting lost individuals with their families. Additionally, the public can obtain educational resources on dementia at GTPs.

    For persons with disabilities, their caregivers can apply for a Developmental Disability Registry (DDR) Identity Card. If a person with autism or special needs goes missing, their caregiver should make a Police report. The DDR card contains information of cardholders' caregivers and the social service agencies they are receiving services at, enabling the public to help them return safely if they are disoriented or lost in the community.

    The initiatives described are designed to meet the distinct needs of their respective target groups.  

    Link to Hansard: Link

Image Credit: Community Foundation of Singapore