The comprehensive set of measures addresses youths at different stages of their involvement with gangs.
The initiatives were announced today by Minister of State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs Masagos Zulkifli at a security conference.
Mr Masagos is also the head of the working group on recommendations to deal with youth gangs.
Among the measures, a move to enhance "streetwise programme", a voluntary programme for youths associated with, or who are members of secret societies and gangs.
The programme will be enhanced to be a pre-court diversionary programme for youths who are arrested for gang membership or gang-related offences such as rioting.
This means that youths who complete the programme successfully could be let off with a warning in lieu of court prosecution.
The enhanced programme will include additional conditions such as physical reporting to police and close monitoring of attendance at school or work.
Anti-gang programmes in correctional institutes will also be improved.
The Singapore Boys Home regime will also be enhanced through the implementation of a standardised orientation programme for new residents upon admission.
A period of community supervision on youths who are assessed to be more likely to join gangs upon their release will also be imposed.
The working group also recommended enhancing existing anti-gang legislation.
Persons who recruit youths to join gangs will also face stiffer penalties.
Police and the court could also be given a greater range of powers to deal with youth gangs, including directing premise owners to take reasonable steps to prevent gang activities from taking place within his premises.
As part of structural measures, police will also be forming a youth offenders unit to formulate protocols on dealing with youth offenders and to build capacity to deal with youths and youth crime.
Recognising the importance families play in the lives of young offenders, the authorities will involve parents in the various intervention programmes for youths.
The working group recommendations will be implemented next year.
- CNA/sf
Business & Investment Opportunities
YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Consulting, Investment and Management, focusing three main economic sectors: International PR; Healthcare & Wellness;and Tourism & Hospitality. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programs. Sign up with twitter to get news updates with @SaigonBusinessC. Thanks.
Helping at-risk youths through these programs resolve their personal and well-being problems can serve to incease their chances for academic success and help them avoid isolation, risky behaviors ,school failure, and dropping out.
ReplyDeleteI give a thumbs up for the programs!