REACH (Telegram) 103 - What are your views on the review panel’s findings and recommendations to strengthen the child protection ecosystem? What more can be done?
(SK)
24 Oct 2025 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
REACH Singapore, [24/10/2025 9:45 am]
Dear Contributors,
Welcome Back! π
⏰ We will be opening the chat from 10am to 7pm today. ⏰
House Rules (short version of our Terms of Use) to keep in mind:
1. Be kind and respectful. We all want to be in a safe space to share our views.
2. Any and all threatening, abusive, vulgar or racially, religiously and ethnically objectionable content is prohibited.
3. Consider the quiet ones among us and give them a chance to comment.
4. No need to repeat your comment or in different forms (including caps) - we heard you loud and clear the first time.
5. Let's protect each other's privacy and keep contact details in this group what it should always be - confidential.
Full set of Terms of Use: https://www.reach.gov.sg/Participate/reach-telegram-group/REACH-Telegram-Group-Chat-Terms-of-Use/
We will strive to uphold these rules to ensure this is a safe space for all.
Please be assured that the points made by participants during the chat are aggregated and shared with relevant agencies.
The topic will be posted shortly.
Thank you.
Megan π
REACH Singapore, [24/10/2025 10:01 am]
π’ Topic π’
An independent review panel appointed by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) released a report on the handling of Megan Khung's case yesterday. In 2020, four-year-old Megan died after being physically and emotionally abused for more than a year by her mother and her mother’s then-boyfriend.
π¬ What are your views on the review panel’s findings and recommendations to strengthen the child protection ecosystem? What more can be done?
π Lapses by Agencies
The Panel found that while agencies took appropriate actions in some instances, there were also lapses and lack of clear understanding and communication among agencies handling the case:
- Beyond Social Services (BSS) could have made a more prompt and detailed report to the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).
- The Child Protective Service (CPS) officer could have probed further to understand the risk level of the case.
- Child protection specialist centre Heart@Fei Yue should have taken on the case.
- The Police investigation officer should have reported the case to her supervisor.
- Social workers misperceived that a police report about a missing child should only be made by a family member.
π Response from Agencies
Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli apologised and acknowledged that agencies could have done more. He emphasised that MSF would do everything possible to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies, and ensure that every link in the child protection ecosystem did its very best and more to protect vulnerable children. Agencies involved also acknowledged the panel's findings and outlined improvements made.
π Recommendations from Panel
The Panel made seven recommendations to strengthen the child protection ecosystem:
1. All cases of child abuse should primarily be handled by child protection case management agencies, which should be adequately resourced.
2. An appeals mechanism should be established to address cases where there are differing views on risk levels and case management.
3. ECDA’s role in triaging potential intra-family child protection cases should be reviewed.
4. The misperception that only family members can make a police report of a missing child should be eliminated.
5. Lessons learnt from critical incidents should be routinely shared with community agencies.
6. Professionals who work with children should be sensitised to issues pertaining to child safety.
7. A stronger culture of support should be promoted for those doing child protection work.
ππ» https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/child-protection-agencies-should-handle-all-cases-of-child-abuse-panel-reviewing-megan-khung-case
ππ» https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/megan-khung-death-child-abuse-review-panel-findings-msf-5418576
ππ» https://www.msf.gov.sg/media-room/article/joint-response-to-review-panel-s-findings-and-recommendations-to-strengthen-the-child-protection-ecosystem
----
REACH Singapore, [24/10/2025 11:00 am]
[ Poll : I am confident that the Government is providing enough support to safeguard children from abuse. ]
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
REACH Singapore, [24/10/2025 11:02 am]
Dear Contributors,
We want to HEAR MORE from you!
π¬ What are your views on the review panel’s findings on Megan Khung’s case and recommendations to strengthen the child protection ecosystem? What more can be done?
We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.
Thank you!
Megan
Jerard, [24/10/2025 11:20 am]
Based on the findings, more can be done to coordinate with relevant agencies to be effective in their response. Agencies might have different roles and responsibilities but would have similar outcomes on how they perform
Jerard, [24/10/2025 11:21 am]
but then there's the question of how vast are the agencies resources in managing such cases as it can be limited
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 11:28 am]
1. This is a very tragic case when a young life is torture for 1 year without anyone suspecting the abuse has taken place.
2. Though eventually some suspicion surface and some actions taken, unfortunately it is not timely or far enough to extricate the young one from harm.
3. The root cause is lack of information and unable to share information across agencies - public and private.
4. Hence I suggest an online child care protection information system should be developed for those involved in child protection agencies be it government or private agencies be shared.
5. At the same time, risk indicators should also be flagged by the system if risk profile warrant the need for intervention and immediate extrication.
6. Officers accessing the web-based system or mobile apps when handling child case such as pre-school, EDCA, child protection agency, police etc will have a real time online information whether the child is at risk - so that officers will not have to 2nd guess the child is only subjected to "normal" discipline or falling that cause the bruise or injuries based on the risk profile of the family.
7. The risk indicators could be green, yellow or red - based on inputs of officers who are mandatory to file an online case when a child abuse is suspected.
8. Hence any officers who assessed the system in any agencies and their supervisors will have an overall views of the child risk profile and act accordingly.
9. The respective officers when filing or accessing the system will be logged and if for example an audio clip such as telephone conversation need to be filed, the system will prompt a reminder to the officer to attach the audio clip - else filing will be flagged as incomplete filing - supervisor will be alerted by SMS (through the SMS gateway) attached to the system.
This will be an almost foolproof way to ensure a child abuse case is constantly track.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 12:15 pm]
10. At least more than 2 decades ago, I noticed that welfare officers used to carry hardcopy files with them.
11. Hence information will only be known to that officer holding the file.
12. But at that time, only mainframe is available.
Not possible to expect an officer to carry the bulky 3270 mainframe dumb terminal around with no WiFi, RF or telephone lines to connect to.
13. Now with 4/5G RF or WiFi, with tablets, smartphones or laptops easily available, filing online cases through web based or mobile apps child protection system will be possible.
Officers anywhere can pull the digital file and have online full complete information about the child and take immediate action.
14. If the case indicator is flag red, the system should also be able to make a police report automatically via AI pulling out all the relevant information.
15. Hence making police report need not be up to the discretion of officer at hand who may misjudge the severity of the case - as AI could assess the risk profile as high risk by correlating all the text and audio files.
16. However, to prevent AI hallucinations, safeguard will need to be put in place.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 12:23 pm]
17. Safeguard could be, AI flag it as a high risk case, police report recommended.
18. SMS alert flag to the respective officers and supervisors.
19. Any officer who 1st access to the alert will have to acknowledge and click "File police report" button before a police report is routed to the police for immediate action eg. Perform extrication.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 12:26 pm]
1. Other than the above proposed web based "Child protection system" which I find it useful to provide complete information online - I support the recommendation make by the panel.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 12:30 pm]
Scientists Create 3,000 TB Simulation of the Universe You Can Download
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 12:31 pm]
"Your Consciousness Can Connect With the Whole Universe.
This latest clue about the architecture of consciousness supports a Nobel Prize winner's theory about how quantum physics works in your brain."
"God" in our Heart.
OMG - Oh "My" God!
δΈζ³ε― "εΏ" ι 。
η±ε ηΌη。
η±ε ηΌη。
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 12:42 pm]
Notice the risk profile of these tragic child is very high.
1. Broken home - mother divorce with husband - live separately.
2. Live with a stranger - mother's boy friend.
3. Both mother and boy friend are drug addicts.
4. Sign of injuries and bruises are found.
(Wonder why the officer who discover bruises and injuries on her limbs don't do a thorough check and inspection on her body as well to look for visible signs of abuse and torture?)
5. Officer place the child with her grandmother instead of her mother.
6. Make police report.
7. Child gone missing, didn't report to school.
8. Unable to trace mother and child.
All these are tell tale sign of high risk profile.
If input into an online child protection system - will have immediately flag as high risk case and warrant immediate actions.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 1:59 pm]
Careful how they make products. India cough syrup many died taking it
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:00 pm]
Thailand mixes weird products in their drinks. And weed in every other thing
REACH Singapore, [24/10/2025 2:01 pm]
π’ Topic π’
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 2:04 pm]
There are always risk in developing markets and economies.
When we first enter the China market - our 1st industrial joint project with the Central government in Suzhou - our enterprises also faces alot of difficulties with the local government.
It takes some times to finally make mutual parties resolve teething problems.
Same thing when we enter JV in other developing countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Africa etc.
The infusions of knowledge, ethics, business culture will take some times with initial friction.
But eventually, we can win over our partners who will want to emulate us on the right way to do things.
Thus morally and ethically in business or as a person, we must show good examples.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:05 pm]
Should fine neighbours who destroy 1s property. Shouting screaming banging terrorising their neighbours.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 2:07 pm]
Dealing with humans are not easy.
But if we can 1st look at design that help to solve problem at the outset, it can reduce the needs to solve alot of human problems.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:07 pm]
I see some neighbours children touching other others items pulling plants. Spitting. Left with warning . Nothing being done. Should fine such neighbours. Worst type jail 1wk.All will start behaving.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:08 pm]
Ya, but now they r not going to go change whole sg house flooring n walls to sound proof them
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 2:09 pm]
Agree.
But at least start with new BTO flats first.
Or for those who encounter persistent noise problem, can opt in to sound proof their flooring with "subsidize cost"?
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:09 pm]
Ya that they should do
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:10 pm]
N make them earthquake/ weather safe.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 2:11 pm]
Weather proof means cool white paint that deflect heat and cool the room temperature.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 2:12 pm]
Singapore high rise flat and building are designed to withstand some earthquake movement including MRT tracks.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:13 pm]
Schools should have more cameras around the school. Every morning assembly should remind kids about not bullying. N asking those to come forward, if they r being bullied.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:15 pm]
Now I see all these houses ceiling to floor windows. Will they be able to withstand strong typhoon winds. Hailstones
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 2:15 pm]
For example if an online child protection system is in place, it will reduce alot of manpower needs and coordination from so many agencies.
All information is online at hands, lesser officers will be needed to check, verify and act - as the system will be a good decision making or supporting tools or coordination tool to aid the officers on the case.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 2:16 pm]
Not typhoon winds or hailstones.
I am not sure we need to go to this extent because Singapore is shielded from typhoon by Malaysia and Indonesia.
Hailstones - where we reside in the equator is quite unlikely.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:18 pm]
Parents play a big part. Need to talk to their kids everyday. Check with them how they doing in school. Look out for signs, face expression when talking about teachers, students n friends.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:19 pm]
We did have hailstones in sg
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 2:19 pm]
Oh is it?
I didn't notice.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:21 pm]
Recently heavy rains in East coast saw everything moving tables n chairs. Don't think we should rely on other countries sheild.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:22 pm]
Like the sinkhole incident too
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 2:22 pm]
I don't have the answer.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:23 pm]
We need to be on lookout cracks on roads, bent trees
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:23 pm]
See if can find the video
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:23 pm]
I can find n post
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:25 pm]
Hailstones reported in Yishun, Seletar during heavy rain | The Straits Times https://share.google/SlS6t9F1iGYagixBz
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 2:25 pm]
Hmm....
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:26 pm]
Few videos u can see as u scroll down
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [24/10/2025 2:26 pm]
U can just Google
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 2:26 pm]
I can't think of any solutions.
REACH Singapore, [24/10/2025 3:07 pm]
Dear Contributors,
We want to HEAR MORE from you!
π¬ What are your views on the review panel’s findings on Megan Khung’s case and recommendations to strengthen the child protection ecosystem? What more can be done?
We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.
Thank you!
Megan
Jun Ming, [24/10/2025 3:11 pm]
I think the problem we got so many agencies to deal to one case. So is it possible to make it into one agency or a board
Jun Ming, [24/10/2025 3:12 pm]
I read liao I also dk what's the work flow
Jun Ming, [24/10/2025 3:13 pm]
And I think the kid will be thrown to different hands?
Jun Ming, [24/10/2025 3:14 pm]
There's 6 agencies on hand
Jun Ming, [24/10/2025 3:18 pm]
So I think the kids will also be stress talking to so many people
Jun Ming, [24/10/2025 3:19 pm]
Talking to social worker
Police
Ecda
CPS officer
Then later still need to talk to fei yue
Jun Ming, [24/10/2025 3:22 pm]
Shall we simplify to 2 agencies police and edca.
Jun Ming, [24/10/2025 3:23 pm]
Police do the investigation and another agency to take care of the kid
REACH Singapore, [24/10/2025 4:01 pm]
π’ Topic π’
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 4:09 pm]
I also think that there are too many layers is also a problem.
Should streamline it and make contact and touch points less onerous.
In this way it could be more effective and efficient.
RY, [24/10/2025 5:00 pm]
I think teachers and schools may play a role also
Including neighbours/strangers, when we see any children being abused, may extend a helping hand or maybe make police report (if nec)
If family/public saw some unusual behaviour of the children, take some action, and not choose to neglect/ignore
Govt may create more public awareness that the children may speak/voice out themselves and not just keeping quiet
For public if know/see, we may make nec report/extend some helping hand to certain extend
Humans is not God, and we may need help in some parts of our life, no one is smooth sailing throughout
LCL (Danny εΏ), [24/10/2025 5:18 pm]
1. Sometimes neighbours may not be able to detect abuses unless very blatant ones.
2. Abusers can be good at hiding their actions and noises.
3. I have a neighbour whose daughter will bring her husband and 2 kids home over the weekend.
4. The mother look quite stress and will frequently shout loudly and create a commotion to discipline her eldest daughter - a few years old while she nurse her baby.
5. Her husband look demure and less responsive.
6. Twice when the noise become too loud, I will open my door and intentionally walk past their unit through the corridor - who offen open their doors and windows.
7. Then I realised their mother only shouted to discipline the eldest daughter to show respect to her father, to behave properly etc - but no physical abuse or caning.
8. After observing a few times, I conclude that she is just stressed up and vent her anger by shouting but no physical abuse.
9. Her eldest daughter also don't look intimidated and sometimes get close to her mother.
10. Then I reason that there is no emotional or physical abuse but normal discipline except in a loud way.
11. Read from news that most deadly abuse are not noticeable by neighbours and happen behind close doors.
REACH Singapore, [24/10/2025 6:01 pm]
π’ Topic π’
G, [24/10/2025 6:32 pm]
Sounds like inadequate and unnecessarily messy govt workflow let the girl down
G, [24/10/2025 6:34 pm]
Any new taskforce gonna set up to clean up the workflow?
REACH Singapore, [24/10/2025 6:48 pm]
Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan π
REACH Singapore, [24/10/2025 6:59 pm]
Dear Contributors
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan π
====
No comments:
Post a Comment