Presented by: ABDUL KARIM

Executive Director

Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association

VISION

To deliver, with our volunteers and community partners,

sustainable preventive, rehabilitation and aftercare

programmes, towards a drug-free Singapore.

MISSION

To mobilise our community against drug abuse

and strive towards a drug-free Singapore.

Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association was established on 19 August 1972

General Information

Member of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS)

Member of the Care Network

- Community Action for Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders (CARE) Network

- A mix of community and Government agencies, which provides support for ex-offenders.

Focal Areas of our Work

Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association was formed in

1972 and focus in:

• Prevention of drug-abuse in youths through

education and awareness - Badge Scheme

• Prevention of re-offending in offenders upon release

through Case Management

Aims to immunise students against the dangers of drug and inhalant abuse through a series of presentations, tests and experiential learning

About 6000 to 7000 uniformed group students attend the course each year

Conducted during the school holidays for uniformed groups

Badge Scheme

Multiplier-effect enables participating students to act as

transfer agents in educating their peers on the dangers and

consequences of drug abuse. This is a compulsory requirement to earning their merit badge.

Many of the participants have returned to serve as Badge

Scheme Instructors to help train their juniors

Badge Scheme

Structured aftercare programme

Case Management & Counselling for a

selected group of ex-offenders and

their families at risk of re-offending;

and those who seek assistance in

reintegration into society prior to their

release.

Case Management

CARE Network

Vision: Hope, Confidence and Opportunities for Ex-offenders

Community Action for the Rehabilitation of Ex-offenders

• Formed in May 2000

• Aims to improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation of ex-offenders in Singapore

• Have grown from 8 government and non-government agencies to over 100 partners today

CARE Network

The CARE Network seeks to:

Set strategic directions for the comprehensive provision of aftercare support services to offenders and their families. Identify gaps to better meet the needs of offenders. Co-ordinate efforts between agencies to provide a seamless transition between incare and aftercare. Build capability and support continuous learning of the agencies. Engage the community through initiatives such as Yellow Ribbon Project (YRP) and Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF)

Development of Aftercare

The CARE Network was formed in 2000 with the aim to improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation of ex-offenders in Singapore. The first few years was spent laying the foundation in aftercare work.

Laying the Foundation

Formation of CARE Network

2000 Implementation of Case Management Framework with

SANA and SACA

2001 Launch of Lee Foundation

Education Assistance Scheme

2003

To advocate 2nd chances for ex-offenders and their families, the focus from 2004 to 2009 was on garnering community support and expanding our reach in the community.

Inaugural Yellow Ribbon Run

Introduction of Family Resource

Centres

2006 MCYS Joined CARE

Network

2005 Launch of Yellow Ribbon Project &

Yellow Ribbon Fund

2004 2009

Expanding our Reach

With the introduction of Mandatory Aftercare Scheme and the increasingly challenging inmate profile, there is a need to build capability and capacity in the aftercare sector so as to enhance the programmes and services for

offenders.

Development of Aftercare The foundation & community support established in the earlier years bore fruit, with a large number of key initiatives

being launched in the year 2010. These initiatives strengthened the framework for a vibrant aftercare sector.

Strengthening the Framework

Launch of Yellow Ribbon Community

Project

2010 Signing of Halfway

House Service Model Agreement

2010 2010 Launch of STAR

Bursary & ISCOS Skills Assistance Subsidy

Scheme

Capability & Capacity Building

Developing Aftercare Research Capability with

SACA

First CN Workplan Seminar Initiated CN Learning Journey & Attachment

Programme

2015 Developmental Framework for Offender Rehab

Personnel implemented

2014 2013 2011

Evidence-Based Practices

Risk-Need-Responsivity Model

Under the RNR model, there are 8 central factors that are most highly correlated with criminal behavior. Interventions need to address these factors.

Anti-Social Attitudes

Anti-Social Peers

Anti-Social Personality Pattern

History of Anti-Social Activities

Family / Martial Issues

Lack of Achievement in Education and Employment

Lack of Pro-social Leisure

Substance Abuse

CASE MANAGEMENT Journey of Helping a Client Under Case

Management Service

2 months Incare phase

6 – 12 months Aftercare Phase

POST AFTERCARE – 2 years

Family Enrichment Programme

Peer Leaders Development Programme

Voluntary

OBJECTIVES

To provide aftercare assistance, support and guidance through individual case management to the Target Group and their families (where possible) to help them cope during the initial period of the clients’ reintegration.

To assist ex-offender in attaining employment, securing accommodation, developing social support and coping skills & attaining a positive lifestyle

To address the specific criminogenic needs of the clients to prevent of re-offending or relapse.

Profile

Primary (1 - 6) 27.1%

Secondary (1 - 4) 56.6%

ITE/Higher Nitec (Yr 1 &2) 10.8%

Poly - Diploma (Yr 1 - 3)2.7%

A Level / Pre-U cert (Yr 1-2) 1.8%

Bachelor's Degree (Yr 1 -3) 0%

Post-graduate Degree0%

Primary 27.1%

Secondary 56.6%

ITE 10.8%

Educational Level

Profile

None

One

Two

Three

> 4

15% 01 incarceration

16% 02 incarceration

19% 03 incarceration

45% > 3 incarceration

5% No previous record

Number of Previous Incarceration

Profile

Majority of them consumed heroin (40%)

Consumption of Ice on the increase (35%)

Type of Drug consumed

CHALLENGES IN REINTEGRATION

Offenders have very high levels of need;

In addition to addressing their client’s offending behaviour, often have to deal with problems relating to many areas:

poor parenting, abuse, damaged relationships, criminal and anti-social peers;

Low educational attainment;

Substance abuse or dependency;

Low income, Housing issues

CHALLENGES IN REINTEGRATION

Less than 50% Programme Completion Rate prior to 2011.

High drop out rate midway

Inability to engage clients upon their release

Failure to connect with clients prior to their release

Lack of understanding of how Aftercare Case Managers are able to help

Review of the Case Management Programme undertaken in 2011

Much improvement in programme completion rate

Completion Rate

Year No of Cases Completed %

2011/12 600

469 78

2012/2013

474

396

84

2013/2014

331

284

86

2014/ 2015

170

145

85

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS Literature on Effective Interventions

Ability of practitioners to convey accurate empathy, respect & warmth & a

“therapeutic genuineness” – Engagement of client prior to

release/Quality of interpersonal relationship;

Meeting client at the Prison Gate

Orientation to assimilate them (those more than 3 years of incarceration)

Intensive counselling for clients with higher needs

Reaching out and being in contact with client constantly

Engaging the Family and providing avenues for

family bonding

(Studies show presence and availability of strong and positive family support play a crucial role in relapse prevention).

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

Mobilising Community Resources

- Collaboration with “The Shop City Project”

- Project Relief (Assistance to needy/vulnerable women)

- Empowerment of Women Initiative (Skills Training

& Certification in cosmetics, beauty & nails with

possible employment

- Tattoo Removal Program

Care Network

Yellow Ribbon Emergency Fund

Funding support for training of Case Managers

Education Skills Training Subsidies for Clients

General principle: A comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, with a range of services addressing the individual’s functioning across all key areas of their life – psychological, educational, employment and social circumstances

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

Continuum of Care

Completion of 6 months is just the beginning, allowing Aftercare Case Manager to address the basic needs and getting the client to stabilise in the community 2 years of continued support offered to Client upon completion of 6 months programme Family Enrichment Programme (FEP ) and Peer Leaders Development Programme

POST - AFTERCARE

FAMILY ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME

PEER LEADERS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Family Enrichment Programme

Provides experiential learning for ex-offenders and their

families in building confidence, social skills, problem-

solving skills and encouraging willingness to attempt new

challenges as a family.

It also helps to strengthen family bonding

Peer Leaders Development Introduced in 2013. Those completed the Case Management

programme encourage to join as Peer Leaders

Ex-offenders can go on to become contributing members of

society. Some even take on leadership roles to pass on their

experiences to others who are still struggling to recover

Possess leadership and exemplary qualities as shown in their

rehabilitation journey and possess a strong desire to help

others.

Peer Leaders Development In 2014, 12 Peer Leaders and potential leaders participated in 4

training activities and workshops to maximize their potential and

equip them with relevant enabling skills

Some Peer Leaders support the Family Enrichment Programmes

(FEP)

Others have initiated and participated actively in community projects

In 2014, Peer Leaders initiated two community projects that involved

Melrose Children’s Home and Bishan Home for the Intellectually Disabled.

Plan to identify / train at least 10 Peer Leaders each year.

Strengthening The Continuum of Care

DROP-IN CENTRE

Drop-In Centre

Objectives

To serve as a one-stop centre for ex-offenders and their families

seeking help or advice or wish to see a counsellor

To provide crisis intervention in cases where ex-offenders face

triggers to re-offend

To offer support services to assist ex-offenders in areas such as

starter kits, free legal advice, counselling, support group sessions

and financial assistance

Drop-In Centre

Piloted in January 2015

Operating hours:

Monday to Friday: 8.30 am – 6.00 pm*

Thursday: 8.30 am – 9.00 pm

Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm

Closed on Sunday & Public Holiday

* Plans to extend opening hours to 9 pm, Monday to Friday

Services Counselling

To provide counselling to avert an impending crisis, for e g

when the living situation is threatened, disrupted or when

ex-offender is under stress and tempted to resort to drugs.

Starter Kit Assistance for immediate food and travel needs - Kopitiam

Card (for food) and EZ-Link Travel Card

Emergency Fund Financial assistance to tide over a period of difficulty or

distress.

Women Support

Group

Support Group for women ex-drug offenders

Family Support

Group

Support Group for families of recovering drug offenders

Tattoo Removal Highly subsidised tattoo removal for ex-offenders who face

discrimination due to their 'regrettable' tattoos.

Legal Aid consultation Free legal advice to ex-offenders and their families

Mediation Family mediation for ex-offenders who are not able to

relate with their family members

Accommodation Finding suitable accommodation for ex-offenders

Referral Referral and follow-up with other agencies

VIDEO TESTIMONY

THANK YOU