probation service annual report 2013
Transcription
probation service annual report 2013
PROBATION SERVICE ANNUAL REPORT 2013 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 OUR MISSION Effective rehabilitation of offenders on community-based orders with maximum participation of families and the community. CORE VALUES PROBATION PROCESS Accused pleads or is found guilty in Court for offence. Court refers offender to Probation Services Branch (PSB) for a Pre-Sentence Report (PSR). We believe in C.H.A.N.G.E. Cultivate progressive culture Honour integrity ♦ A spire to inspire ♦ Nurture collaborative relationships ♦ Grow capabilities ♦ Embrace respect ♦ ♦ Probation Officer (PO) interviews offender, family and gathers information from others. PO submits PSR to Court with the recommendations on offender’s suitability for probation. QUALITY POLICY We commit to quality and excellent service in the probation of offenders and their rehabilitation in the community. If Court grants probation, offender will be supervised by a PO. Duration and grade of probation is dependant on risks and needs of offender, and circumstances surrounding the offence. Court reviews offender’s progress after 6 months. If progress is satisfactory, Court • allows probation to continue; or • grants early discharge from probation. Probation, if completed successfully, does not carry a conviction record. If progress is unsatisfactory, Court • allows probation to continue but may vary Probation Order to include additional conditions; or • revokes Probation Order and deals with offender. CONTENT 02 22 04 28 06 36 07 44 08 58 Our People Director’s Message Management Team Probation Committee Key Figures at a Glance 10 Rooted in Knowledge A Systemic Approach Branching Out Turning over a New Leaf Bearing Fruit Other Community-Based Programmes 62 Probation Programmes Probation Service Annual Report 2013 our people 02 nurturing growth 03 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 director’s message This piece of art done by a probationer and his Probation Officer captures the heart of Probation Service – working with the offender to use his gift in developing a new life for himself. 04 2013 proved a challenging yet fulfilling year for Probation Service, with a significant shift in the demographic and profile of offenders. Youths assessed to be of a higher risk of re-offending were put on probation, which led to an unprecedented number of youth offenders placed in a hostel or on electronic monitoring with intensive supervision. The complex and varied risks and needs of probationers and their families mimic the challenges they faced during the journey of growth and change. In Nurturing Growth, the theme of this Annual Report, Probation Services’ key areas of focus in 2013 were on rooting our officers in knowledge and skills; and tapping on the potential of the systems embedded within the community. Branching out, Probation Service connected with new partners and longstanding stakeholders to organise various initiatives to provide growth opportunities for the offenders. In the transformational process, we discovered ability and the potential for a better future. This is seen in the piece of art on this page done by a probationer and his Probation Officer. This also captures the heart of Probation Service – working with the offender to use his gift in developing a new life for himself. The essence of partnerships for success is depicted in art done by probationers, officers and partners throughout this report, as well as in the feature interviews. Finally, I am happy to share with you the new beginnings of three young lives in the chapter “Turning Over a New Leaf” which chronicles their heart-warming journey of change. We hope that you will be as inspired by their stories as we have been. I look forward to the fruition of our endeavours with your ongoing support as we move onward together. Lee Kim Hua Director Rehabilitation and Protection Group Ministry of Social and Family Development nurturing growth 05 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 MANAGEMENT TEAM Left to Right Not in Photograph Mr Gan Jin Yee – Assistant Director / Operations (Adult) Ms Irene Cheng – Assistant Director / Professional Development and Resource Management, and Diversionary Programmes Ms Bernadette Alexander – Deputy Director, Chief Probation Officer Ms Aileen Tan – Senior Assistant Director / Operations (Youth) Ms Kathleen Leong – Assistant Director / Operations and Special Projects Probation Service in Brief The Probation Services Branch (PSB) is governed The principles of these programmes include: by the Probation of Offenders Act and guided by the Children and Young Persons Act and the UN ♦ Shaping positive belief systems resulting in Convention on the Rights of the Child. desirable changes in behaviour through regular reporting, counselling and role-modelling; Probation Service aims to help bring about positive ♦ Fostering social responsibility and empathy for changes in offenders by supporting them and their others through community service; families during the probation period. Probation ♦ Cultivating resiliency by imparting social skills presents a chance for offenders to make amends and through education and various training initiatives; become contributing members of the society. This is and done through regular supervision sessions and a host ♦ Building a strong and stable support network of programmes targeted at addressing their offending through educating and empowering family behaviours and criminogenic needs. members to be better equipped in responding to probationers’ needs and risks. 06 PROBATION COMMITTEE 2013 Standing (Left to Right) Seated (Left to Right) Not in Photograph Chairperson Justice Tay Yong Kwang Supreme Court Members Mr Tan Siong Thye1 Judicial Commissioner, Supreme Court Mr See Kee Oon Chief District Judge, Subordinate Courts Mr Ong Hian Sun2 Senior District Judge, Subordinate Courts District Judge Lim Tse Haw, District Judge Edgar Foo, Mr Sekher Warrier, Judicial Commissioner Tan Siong Thye, Justice Tay Yong Kwang, Mr Lee Kim Hua, Chief District Judge See Kee Oon, Mr Soh Wai Wah Ms Agnes Kew Oi Lan (representing Ms Grace Ng), Ms Bernadette Alexander, Ms Frances Cheang, Ms Belinda Ang District Judge Kessler Soh, Mr Paviter Singh, Ms Grace Ng, Senior District Judge Ong Hian Sun Mr Kessler Soh District Judge, Subordinate Courts Mr Lim Tse Haw District Judge, Subordinate Courts Mr Edgar Foo District Judge / Magistrate of the Juvenile Court, Family and Juvenile Court Ms Belinda Ang Advisor to the Juvenile Court Ms Frances Cheang Advisor to the Juvenile Court Mr Lee Kim Hua Director, Rehabilitation and Protection Group, Ministry of Social and Family Development Mr Soh Wai Wah Director, Singapore Prison Service Ms Grace Ng Wun Har Deputy Director, Guidance Branch Ministry of Education Mr Sekher Warrier Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation Department Singapore Police Force Mr Paviter Singh Chairperson, Volunteer Probation Officer Committee Secretary Ms Bernadette Alexander Chief Probation Officer, Ministry of Social and Family Development Judicial Commissioner Tan Siong Thye was the former Chief District Judge. He was appointed Judicial Commissioner of the Supreme Court on 1 October 2013. With his new appointment as Judicial Commissioner, he relinquished his appointment with the Probation Committee with effect from 1 October 2013. 1 Mr Ong Hian Sun was appointed a member of the Probation Committee with effect from 1 October 2013. 2 nurturing growth 07 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 KEY FIGURES 835 cases placed on probation in 2013 AT A GLANCE 21% of all new cases placed in hostel (up from 15% in 2012) and 19% placed on electronic monitoring (consistent with 2012) 963 offenders discharged from probation in 2013 PROBATION SERVICES BRANCH HOS TEL 08 60% (500) of new cases placed on intensive or split (intensive-supervised) probation. This was more than the 51% (476) of new cases in 2012 93% of new Juvenile cases placed on intensive or split (intensive supervised) probation PROBATION SERVICES BRANCH 83% of offenders completed probation successfully in 2013 16 offenders were granted early discharge from probation for good progress nurturing growth 09 rooted in knowledge Roots provide support and continually nourish the growth of the tree. Investing in our staff “what works” in the rehabilitation of offenders and evaluation of programmes aim to enhance productivity and bring about positive changes in offenders. Being grounded in knowledge and having a repertoire of skills will enable us to guide, support and nurture the people we work with. Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Training Good Lives Model Number of “Primary Goods” identified in the Good Lives Model that people strive for. These include Knowledge, Relatedness and Excellence at Play The Good Lives Model (GLM) is a strengths-based approach to offender rehabilitation. It is premised on the notion that building capabilities allows offenders to achieve their goals (Goods) in life through positive ways, thus reducing their risk of re-offending. From 2 to 5 September 2013, Dr. Tony Ward, developer of the GLM was invited to conduct two training sessions for staff. Dr. Ward presented on the essence of the model followed by the 11 proposed “Goods” that make up an individual’s quality of life. Through role-plays and case study discussions, officers practised using the model as well as other supportive tools formulated by Dr. Ward. 12 While Probation Service’s approach to offender rehabilitation has been largely aligned with the GLM concept, the structured GLM case management framework was first used for selected high-risk youth offenders in 2012. Given the encouraging outcomes for such cases and with all officers trained, case management for all youth probationers would be guided by the GLM structure from 2014. Common Life Goals There is a set of life goals consisting of 11 primary goods that are common to most people. The importance that people place on each goal helps define what matters most in their lives. rooted in knowledge PRIMARY GOOD DEFINITION EXAMPLES OF GOOD Life Incorporates all the physical needs and Physical exercise such as jogging, being diet factors that are important for healthy living conscious, preparing healthy meals, managing and optimal physical functioning one’s own finances to ensure basic needs are met, meditating, or taking yoga classes Knowledge How well informed one feels on matters that Asking questions, adopting certain belief concern them systems, studying at university, belonging to a discussion group, or taking lessons to acquire a new skill Excellence in play Accomplishments or enjoyment associated Participating in competitive and social team with leisure activities or recreational pursuits and individual sporting competitions, having hobbies, going to the movies and socialising with friends Excellence in work Enjoyable work including mastery experiences Participating in meaningful paid employment, meaningful volunteer work, self-employment, undergoing apprenticeships, and professional development courses Excellence in agency Autonomy and self-directedness Engaging in assertive actions and self-reflection Inner Peace Freedom from emotional turmoil and stress Listening to music, talking to others, meditation, counselling or physical exercise Relatedness Close, caring relationships with an intimate May include heterosexual or homosexual partner, family members and close friends romantic relationships, close family relationships, or friendships Community Connectedness to others in broader social Belonging to social service groups, rotary, groups or communities or special interest groups of some kind (e.g. a political party, a sporting club, a craft group, book club, nature / wildlife group or religious affiliations) Spirituality Pleasure The broad sense of finding meaning and Belonging to a church, spiritual group, studying purpose in life philosophy, or environmental association The emotional sense of feeling good in the Enjoyment of food, massage or sport where the present time – the state of happiness goal sought is at least partly a feeling of deep contentment or pleasure Creativity Expressing one’s self through alternative forms Gardening, woodwork, painting, attending art exhibitions, solving problems, devising new methods of doing, playing an instrument, etc nurturing growth 13 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Theoretical Frameworks and Clinical Supervision 24 HRS Minimum number of hours of Clinical Supervision a Probation Officer will receive in first year of service In the push towards strengthening clinical supervision in probation practice, Probation Service engaged Dr. Pauline Meemeduma, Head of the Social Work Programme at Edith Cowan University, to provide structured training for all officers and supervisory staff. She conducted two runs of the three-day Theoretical Frameworks training for all Probation Officers and one run of Clinical Supervision Skills for supervisors in September and October 2013. In the Theoretical Frameworks training, officers re-visited core theories in social work and psychology; and put their knowledge to practice while working through case studies. For the supervisors, Dr. Meemeduma imparted skills and techniques in providing guidance to supervisees for their professional development. 14 Theoretical knowledge and clinical supervision are essential in assessing the range of complexity of a case and the depth of complexity. There is no such thing as a simple case in practice. Each offender needs to be understood based on his / her life history, factors that trigger and reinforce offending behaviour, and how societal disadvantage works to reinforce, in highly complex and subtle ways, the likelihood of recidivism. ~ Dr Pauline Meemeduma rooted in knowledge Service Learning VPO Enrichment The Service Learning framework was piloted in April 2012 to enrich the community service experience for both offenders and partners. The process involved working alongside offenders to chart objectives of their service as well as their learning on Community Service Order (CSO). This allowed continual reflection and review of their community service journey, giving structure and clarity to its purpose. On 28 September 2013, 61 VPOs and 90 staff attended the annual VPO Enrichment Workshop featuring Mr. David King, founder of the social enterprise, Ministry of Empowerment. Mr King, a former secret society member, spent eight years behind bars for gang-related activities. The experience of prison motivated him to turn his life around. Upon completion of the GCE “N”, “O” and “A” Levels in prison school, he In the push towards instilling went on to graduate from Singapore probationers with a greater sense Management University. of ownership and purpose while performing community service, Drawing on his personal journey, ideas on goal-setting, Service Learning principles were his integrated in placement as well befriending and engagement as in the Community Service inspired the audience. They felt Order review report. Following that his sharing had a touch of the Service Learning training for realism which was refreshing. A all Community Service Officers in volunteer described the session as 2012, a selected group of Volunteer “an opportunity to recharge”. The Probation Officer (VPOs) were workshop was a success not just in trained by Touch Community providing new insights but it also rekindled the passion in working Services in 2013. with probationers. Thirty-one volunteers participated in discussions, presentations and activities aimed at introducing them to the concepts of Service Learning. They enjoyed the interactive session and several volunteers signed up to assist Community Service Officers in the implementation of planned CSO projects for the rest of 2013. Probationers are captains of their ships and we are like the navigators who help to guide the ships to the right course. I could use the sharing by Mr David King and my own experiences to encourage probationers to focus on their strengths and move on with life to change for the better. At the same time, I try to be an active listener and communicate with them non-judgmentally and provide affirmations to encourage them. ~ VPO Saravanan Renganathan 41 Number of years of service by our longest serving VPO nurturing growth 15 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Insights from Abroad The symposium provided an in opportunity for these officers to Keeping abreast of current learn and exchange perspectives probation practices and networking with their counterparts in the region with probation counterparts on youth offender rehabilitation beyond geographical borders has initiatives. brought about new ways of working ASEAN Plus 3 Conference with offenders. on Probation and International Symposium on Non-Custodial Measures Offenders’ Rehabilitation: “A In April 2013, Chief Probation Quest for New Frontiers” Officer Ms Bernadette Alexander During the symposium held in and a Senior Probation Officer March 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand, were invited to attend this a Senior Probation Officer and two conference organised by the senior officers from the Central Department of Probation, Ministry Youth Guidance Office and Juvenile of Justice, Thailand. Homes Branch presented a paper on contemporary developments Ms Alexander presented a paper on in policies and practices in youth the probation system in Singapore, offender rehabilitation in Singapore. which outlined the developments 16 the probation system, challenges faced and strategies to provide a responsive communitybased rehabilitation programme. The workshop presentation on Technology in Probation: Strengthen. Integrate. Connect. provided an overview on how technology is harnessed as a tool to strengthen the Probation Order for offenders on probation, enhance productivity, inform policy and programming and enhance professional development of staff. The conference was a step towards establishing stronger partnerships and networks for closer ties among the ASEAN Plus 3 countries to share experiences and best practices on community-based offender rehabilitation programmes. rooted in knowledge World Congress on Probation 2013 In October 2013, two Senior Probation Officers, together with a Psychologist from the Clinical and Forensic Psychology Branch, attended the inaugural World Congress on Probation 2013. They also visited six agencies including the Youth Offending Teams, a Probation Trust office and community-agencies running sports programmes for youthat-risk. One of the key takeaways was the practical application of the Good Lives Model in the case management of youth offenders. This has informed the integration of the model in the current Probation Service case management framework. Interview with Assistant Manager, Loy Siang Meng who attended the World Congress on Probation 2013 were validated by the industry experts and were consistent with the established probation offices around the world. Through the agency visits, we The conference saw the coming also gained insights on ways to together of world experts in the strengthen rehabilitation work in field of offender rehabilitation. various aspects. It was an excellent platform to gain new perspectives and learn I am confident that the networks “what works”. and new friendships forged with others in our field would I was heartened to learn that be valuable relationships as the Branch’s current practice we continue to move ahead in and rehabilitation models this work. nurturing growth 17 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Programme Evaluation On 12 December 2013, the Branch’s Programme Development, Research and Evaluation Unit held the inaugural Programme Evaluation sharing session to present the findings of six evaluation studies conducted within the year. Attended by senior officers, the presentations raised pertinent questions and new insights surrounding what works in programming for youth offenders. Officers appreciated the value of evaluation in delivering a robust and effective probation service. Findings of two key programmes are presented below. Motivating Offenders to Rethink Everything (M.O.R.E)3 Built upon the encouraging preliminary findings from the 2012 pilot runs of M.O.R.E, a more comprehensive evaluation of four runs of the programme was carried out in 2013. Improved meta-cognitive awareness and learning to exercise better control WHAT IS THE M.O.R.E PROGRAMME ABOUT? METACOGNITION: THINKING ABOUT THINKING THESE INCLUDE: Perspective Taking Challenging Maladaptive Self-Talk over their situations increased the probationers’ motivation in a few areas: to attend further programmes, to improve themselves and to remain constructively engaged. Realisation that they had many choices in life was empowering and it encouraged them to think before acting. These positive outcomes paved the way for six runs of the programme in 2013, which involved more than 40 probationers in the early stage of their probation journey. Motivation to Change Developed by T3 Associates in Canada, M.O.R.E is a four-session programme that aims to encourage probationers to re-think how they view and respond to situations. 3 18 rooted in knowledge WHAT IS THE REASONING AND REACTING PROGRAMME ABOUT? TEACHING HOW TO THINK, NOT WHAT TO THINK I was able to sustain my job as a restaurant waiter and refrained from losing my temper by seeing things from my supervisor’s perspective. THESE INCLUDE: ~ Probationer Managing Emotions Connecting Thinking & Behaviour Reasoning and Reacting4 Following the positive feedback on the pilot runs conducted in 2012, seven runs of the Reasoning and Reacting programme were carried out in 2013. The emphasis on “how to think” helps the probationers reason and deliberate their thought processes. This encourages the development of a pro-social mindset as observed by their new self-talk and improved behaviours. Probationers reported improved awareness of their thinking after they were taught how to “catch their thoughts”. They shared that Problem Solving Skills Learning to be Assertive and Interpersonal Skills the programme enabled them to see situations differently, change their thinking and make better decisions. Using evaluation tools to assess their problem solving and decision-making skills as well as communication and relationship management showed increased ability in these areas. The Youth Level of Service / Case Management Inventory also showed a reduction in the assessed risk of re-offending in the majority of the probationers. By equipping probationers with appropriate response solutions to risky situations, the programme enabled them to change perspectives, leading to better management of their lives. The programme taught me life skills, to be fair to myself and others and to manage and analyse my problems. ~ Probationer I learnt different ways of controlling my anger. ~ Probationer Reasoning and Reacting is a three month-long intensive cognitive skills programme that replaces the current syllabus for the Periodic Training Order. 4 nurturing growth 19 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Study 1 INSIGHT inTO YOUTH OFFENDING IN SINGAPORE 2011 DURATION OF STUDY Background 2012 Tailoring intervention for effective rehabilitation of probationers requires understanding of their risk of offending and criminogenic needs. RNR RISK, NEED, RESPONSIBILITY RISK Matching intervention to the offender’s risk of offending NEED Targeting the criminogenic needs RESPONSIVITY Tailoring intervention with consideration to the special needs of the offender 2002 YLS/CMI Since 2002, PSB has been using the Youth Level of Service / Case Management inventory. It assesses the risk of re-offending by offenders 18 years and below within the RNR framework. CRRP 2011 CFPB CENTRE FOR RESEARCH ON REHABILITATION AND PROTECTION CLINICAL AND FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY BRANCH FINDINGS Static Domains Prior and current offences by offenders Dynamic Domains i)Family Circumstances / Parenting ii) Education / Employment iii)Attitudes and Orientations Other prominent needs and special considerations i)Conduct and oppositional defiant disorder ii) Gang involvement 2STRENGTHS THAT REDUCE THE RISK OF VIOLATIONS FAMILY PSB PROBATION SERVICES BRANCH Since 2011, PSB, CFPB and CRRP have been working together to gain insights into youth offending in Singapore. 20 1PREDICTORS OF VIOLATIONS The RNR model is one of the most widely used frameworks in offender rehabilitation. EDUCATION LEISURE rooted in knowledge Study 2 2012 3264 YOUTHS who were issued with Probation Orders from 2004 to 2008 DURATION OF STUDY SAMPLE 1Examining the risks and determinants of youth offending 2Discerning the predictive validity of the YLS/CMI AIMS 3 GENDER DIFFERENCES 2013 Offenders issued with Probation Orders from August 2011 onwards SAMPLE a.Younger at the start of probation orders. b.Greater criminogenic risk and needs as compared to males. FEMALE Phase 1 of a Prospective study AIMS c.Higher needs on the domains of family circumstances, peer relations and substance abuse. d.More likely to have experienced significant family trauma, family history of drug abuse, and encounter higher rates of inhalant, drug and alcohol abuse as well as higher rates of victimisation. e.Predictors of violations by females: Violations by females are largely influenced by prior and current offences, family and current offences, family circumstances / parenting, individual attitudes. a.More likely to have had history of aggressive behavior such as physical and or sexual assault as well as bullying. MALE b.Predictors of violations by males: Financial and accommodation problems, gang involvement, self-management and under-achievement issues. 1 Increase in risk profile FINDINGS i)Preliminary results suggested that more of the higher risk offenders were being placed on Probation Order in the recent years. 2004/2005 2011/2012 ii)Moving forward – The study will continue to examine deeper risk profiles of these offenders and those placed on probation from 2012 onwards. 2Norming of YLS/CMI to local context 2013 also saw the updating of Singapore norms for male probationers and the release of the female norms. nurturing growth 21 a systemic approach The stem is the backbone that supports the entire structure of the tree. Building a strong network with stakeholders and the community is essential for successful rehabilitation. Such partnerships support probation practice and help probationers and their families to have sustainable change in their lives. Probation Service Annual Report 2013 SHARING BY ATTORNEYGENERAL’S CHAMBERS AND LAW SOCIETY Attorney-General’s Chambers and Law Society’s sharing with Probation Service Connections with entities of the legal system were strengthened in 2013. On 15 August 2013, representatives from the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers and the Law Society shared their perspectives on legal issues in offender management, namely on recent trends and legal frameworks regarding property theft and unlicensed money-lending. The Attorney-General’s Chambers also shared about recent initiatives to enhance diversionary measures for youth who commit minor offences. Feedback on Probation Service’s service delivery and quality of reports were provided. 24 The session ended with an engaging exchange with the panel which helped all parties to find that delicate balance between serving justice and restoring lives. Sharing with the Subordinate Courts Probation Service was invited to share with judicial officers on the latest approaches and issues in probation practice on 10 October 2013. Attended by close to 30 judicial officers, the session provided a platform for conversation on the strategic direction of Probation Service and the impact on the legal landscape. The judicial officers praised the professionalism of Probation Officers and spoke positively about the comprehensiveness of the reports submitted to Court and the rigor in offender case management. TOP 3 OFFENCES Theft and Related, Unlawful Assembly, and Voluntarily Causing Hurt 965 Number of PSR Referrals a sytemic approach CONNECTING WITH HOSTEL PARTNERS Probation Service’s close partnership with hostels has enabled higher risk youth offenders who require a semi-structured environment to be placed on probation. Through co-case management, more than half of our highest-risk youth probationers successfully completed probation. The annual Probation Service – Hostel event serves to deepen the connection through Representatives from the various hostels thereafter shared their meaningful conversations. practice and innovative approaches In December 2013, Probation in working with probationers Service and hostel partners came and their families. The highlight together to talk about how to of the programme was the live “L.E.A.D” (Learn from each other, testimony by an ex-probationer Engage with each other, Affirm one who shared the impact of a another to keep the Drive within positive hostel experience on his journey of change. alive). Senior Assistant Director, Ms. Aileen Tan, started the conversation by sharing on the value of the therapeutic relationship. Patience, carry on with them, never give up. ~ Hope House 1 IN FIVE Probationers placed in hostels Feeling affirmed and inspired, the event left many reflecting on the impact of their work on those under their care. Whatever we’re doing, we are planting seeds into their lives. Believe that people can change, so we should try and try harder. ~ Singapore Boys’ Hostel The most important factor is to get them engaged in work / school. One of our girls finished her diploma while she was with us. When they leave, they are leaving with either a certificate or a continual education opportunity, which will keep them driven towards their goals in life. ~ Residence @ St. George’s nurturing growth 25 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 NETWORKING WITH COMMUNITY SERVICE AGENCIES 118 Average number of hours ordered 115 Number of CSO Agencies 26 Agencies providing community service placements play an important role in developing social responsibility in offenders. Recognising the agencies’ commitment and the value of capacity building, two runs of Community Service Networking (C-NET) sessions were organised in 2013. The first run of the C-NET sessions was held on 17 and 24 July 2013, which featured a volunteer management training workshop conducted by Ms. Lam Moi Yin. Twenty-seven agencies attended the two sessions and were taught skills in engaging not just the probationers effectively but their volunteers as well. The second run was held on 27 November and 4 December 2013, where agencies shared their approaches in connecting with probationers. Probationers who had done outstanding work at these agencies were also invited to share their invaluable experiences. The agencies found the interaction beneficial in deepening relationships with Probation Service and many were moved by the probationers’ heartfelt sharing. a sytemic approach PARTNERING WITH VOLUNTEER PROBATION OFFICERS Probation Service began the Volunteer Probation Officer (VPO) scheme in June 1971. More than 30 years on, volunteers continue to work tirelessly alongside Probation Officers in carrying out PSB’s mission – to rehabilitate offenders with maximum participation of the community. The 221 VPOs complement the work of Probation Officers and Community Service Officers in a variety of ways; in mentoring (Befrienders), facilitating Community Service projects (Comserv), liaising with schools (School Liaison Network Programme), conducting physical curfew checks (Operation Night Watch) as well as in conducting programmes. The simple task of providing transportation to and from the care centre and his home twice a week gave them the opportunity to get to know Ryan’s story. Their warmth and concern put him at ease. He started to share about his troubled past and spoke of his aspirations for the future. Sharing his passion for cars, they collected magazine pictures of cars and engaged him in many spirited conversations which brought them closer together. Realising that they cared, he patiently listened to their advice on the importance of behaving well. Volunteering is in my blood since schooldays. I realised that there are many unfortunate families who need help of some kind. ~ Vivien Couple Vivien and Mark have served as volunteers since 1999 and have supported numerous offenders to turn their lives around. So when 12-year-old Ryan (not his real name) was about to be ordered to reside at the Singapore Boys’ Home for persistently breaching his probation conditions due to the lack of home support, Vivien and Mark were approached to help Ryan. nurturing growth 27 branching out Supported by the stem, branches stretch out to get as much sunlight as possible for the plant’s nourishment and growth. There is continual effort to create opportunities for youth engagement – to enhance family life, widen positive social circles and build capabilities; to help these youths lead productive and meaningful lives. Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Embracing the Family Through the interactive play, both children and parents were given Interactive Forum Theatre Play: the opportunity to critique and “Anakku Sayang” suggest changes to the characters’ actions. This encouraged Probation Service was first ownership of personal well-being introduced to Forum Theatre5 and control over the situations through a mass mental resilience affecting their lives. awareness event held by the Health Promotion Board. Using The probationers and their parents this medium as a unique way to felt that the scenes in the play engage families, Probation Service, were reflective of their experiences. together with Health Promotion They acquired alternative ideas in Board and Asia Works put together dealing with their relationships at an exclusive Forum Theatre play for home and felt motivated to change Malay Muslim probationers and their communication style with parents on 14 September 2013. each other. With the encouraging Titled “Anakku Sayang” or “My response, selected probationers Dear Child”, the play portrayed and families will have the chance the life of a Malay family and their to participate in more Forum challenges in raising their children. Theatre programmes in 2014. 60% Of offenders came from nuclear (2-parent) families In an interactive Forum Theatre play, a story is acted out twice. Uninterrupted the first time, the play’s second run invites the audience to participate in intervals between different scenes. Within these intervals, guests are able to make decisions in the place of characters and are thus given the power to change the outcome of situations. 5 30 branching out Caring for the Elderly A pilot project was conducted in 2012 to train probationers to better engage persons with intellectual disabilities. The success of the pilot paved the way for further specialised training to enhance the community service experience for agencies and probationers. In 2013, 11 probationers were trained by New Horizon Centre to communicate with elderly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Seven others were trained by Metta Day Rehabilitation Centre for the Elderly to respond to the needs of and improve communication with senior citizens. The probationers involved in the project shared that the skills they learnt increased their ability and confidence in serving the elderly. These skills were demonstrated in Project Fish where a group of probationers, together with VPOs, organised a fishing outing to Bottle Tree Park for 15 senior citizens. The outing was elder-centric, enjoyable and well received. Serving the seniors as part of their Community Service Order has brought about new perspectives and a change in mindset of the probationers towards the older generation. Many brought these attitudes and skills into their families and altered the way they interact with their elderly relatives. Reflections on Community Service – A Probationer’s perspective Describe your CSO experience and what you learnt. During my CSO I would wake up before my alarm sounds because it is fun to be there with clients and staff; they are friendly and are very genuine. I learned to be more responsible; being punctual for CSO was never a problem for me. Tell us more about the Community Service Club that you set up at school. Because my school was still new, it had only seven CCAs. One day, my lecturer called me while I was doing community service. This gave us the idea of setting up a Community Service Club in school and the club was inaugurated in August of 2013. After a successful event with the Singapore Christian Home, we attracted many students to take part in this CCA and after a period of recruitment the club is now the largest CCA in school. nurturing growth 31 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Reflections on Community In fact, one of the ex-probationers Service – An Agency’s who had been terminated by me perspective came back to help me! Is there one or two cases that stand out in your mind? There was this boy, who was quite rough and rowdy when With such strong rapport you have he started, very “Ah Beng” with with the probationers, do you have tattoos. We spoke with him, some who open up to you? counselled him and eventually, Yes, I do. I’ve got some who we employed him! He’s doing open up so much that they would his national service now but we seek my advice on managing the told him that he can come back problems they face. to join us after he finishes. Ang Mo Kio-Thye Hua Kwan Hospital is an agency that provides community service placements to probationers. The hospital provides rehabilitative care for its patients. Below is an interview with Mohamad Sharil Bin Abdul Rahim, Executive, Volunteer I do have parents coming up to Management, AMK-THKH. me and telling me that their son has changed, partly due to my Do you have probationers who influence and I am very touched. come back to volunteer after It gives me a lot of fulfilment, that their placement? I’m not only helping my patients Yes, we do have probationers but the probationers as well. who come back to volunteer after their placement because And many of the probationers tell I have forged a friendship me that they want to spend time with them. with me after they finish probation. 32 Not many agencies would be willing to do that. I really salute my management for taking that step, for believing that probationers can change. branching out social landscape Saying “No” to Drugs 2013 saw the evolution of the traditional anti-drug talk into a multi-approach interactive workshop for probationers who had been exposed to recreational drugs. In partnership with the Central Narcotics Bureau, two halfday workshops for 20 probationers were conducted during the school vacation period. were encouraged to participate in follow-up sports and arts programmes to learn a new skill and make new positive friends. Project Kickstart In collaboration with Tanjong Pagar United Football Club, weekly training sessions by the coaches were invaluable in providing 20 probationers with technical skills in soccer, enabling them to compete and achieve in the game. The programme helped probationers recognise that dabbling in drugs would put roadblocks on their journey towards their goals in life. They were made more aware of the consequences of drug abuse and the significant role their peers played in their choices. The sense of achievement motivated positive behavior, which was required for them to remain in the programme. The consistent positive engagement provided an avenue to forge new friendships and foster a positive attitude towards change. Through discussions and roleplays, they learnt and practiced ways to refuse their peers when under pressure. The participants The collaboration also created the opportunity for talented probationers to be scouted for the Club’s youth teams. 30% of offenders placed on Probation in 2013 had history of drug, inhalant and / or alcohol abuse nurturing growth 33 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Interview with Dinesh (not his real name), a participant in Project Kickstart How did you feel about being part of Project Kickstart? It was fun and we learnt lots of things. Though we all had bad pasts and were from different sides of life, we could come together to know each other well and communicate as a team. This was not something I realised about football even though I had been playing for so long. What did you learn? I learnt about teamwork and communication. You can’t go onto the field playing on your own, football is about the team. A good thing about the programme is that we don’t see who is better; we see everyone as one and play as a team, motivating each other and helping each other play their best. This is a helpful path for us to change. Because we love to play soccer, it is good that we spend time playing soccer together rather than doing other things outside. The programme also helped me realise that discipline is important. For example, I learnt to come on time. Previously Dinesh loved to play football but often his involvement in football got him into trouble. Kickstart gave Dinesh a chance to enjoy his soccer game and learn positive values at the same time. ~ Dinesh’s Mother Based on the Good Lives Model, Dinesh has a strong need for Excellence at Play and Kickstart helped to fulfil this. He was more enthusiastic and open during reporting sessions especially when it came to speaking of Kickstart. It helped to set the mood for the reporting sessions and allowed for more open discussions. ~ Dinesh’s Probation Officer 34 branching out Investing in the future Crafting a Career In 2013, the Ministry’s Vocational and Reintegration Support Unit (VRU) offered short taster courses in new areas such as healthcare, technical theatre and logistics, which provided probationers the opportunity to gain Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) in the long run. Probationers also attended job fairs where they were placed with major employers in the retail and food and beverage industries, amongst others. With a belief in wanting to expose the youth to new interests and unearth their potential, auditions and performance training by industry professionals, such as Sheik Haikel, were organised. These activities cumulated in two seasons of VRU’s flagship event, Talent Cafe. The Making of an Entrepreneur – Project Inspire Partnership with the National Institute of Education and Towner Gardens School (a school for persons with intellectual disabilities) provided a two-month exposure programme for probationers to learn and experience entrepreneurship. project for the school. In the process, probationers learnt to market products, work and communicate with others and experience interacting with the clients from the school. Aside from learning skills in entrepreneurship, they developed empathy and a sense of responsibility; important lessons to sustain a viable business in the future. The probationers commented that experiencing the success of entrepreneurship made them keener to pursue further achievements in life. Twelve probationers, two Volunteer Probation Officers and trainee teachers set up and operated a booth selling craft items at the school as part of a fundraising nurturing growth 35 turning over a new leaf Drawing energy from the sun and using its resources, leaves manufacture food to nourish the tree. Successful rehabilitation is more than just completing probation; it is about the fruition of a new lifestyle. This chapter features the voices of probationers6 whose lives were touched and transformed during their probation journey. 6 Names of the probationers featured in this chapter have been changed to protect their identities. Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Haris – My Pillars of Strength When I was in Secondary Three, my friend called me one night to meet him and to bring a parang along. When I heard the other guy say to my friend, “If you’re good enough, why don’t you hack me?”, I confronted the guy and hacked him twice in the head before running off. I had entered Secondary One in the first class in express stream, but felt I did not fit in. My education plunged downwards. My friends were people who had no regard for the law; they were outgoing and bold. I even joined a gang. Even after my offence, I was not afraid. I continued to be aggressive and violent in school and was also involved in a theft case. It was only when I went to Court for the rioting offence that I became really scared, as I was not sure of what was going to happen to me. The judge wanted to send me to Singapore Boy’s Home for two years, but decided to place me on a 30-month probation, including nine months in the Singapore Boys’ Hostel. In the hostel, I was surprised to find that many of the boys knew about my case and gang traditions, so I was very well taken care of. Nobody tried to mess around with me. I became bolder and continued to break hostel rules, although I was careful not to be caught. 38 The turning point came when my mother became really sick. I thought to myself: “What if anything was to happen to her and I was inside? I was the only one capable of taking care of her and the one she looked up to, to give the whole family a better life”. I decided that things had to change. On one occasion when I was in the office of the hostel director, Mr Nic, I saw a book titled “The Servant” by James Hunter. The book was about change. I borrowed the book from him, as I had an interest in books. I recall an incident in the hostel where I was kicked in the face. If I had retaliated with everyone watching me, I would have started a riot in the hostel. But when I was kicked, I thought about my mum’s sacrifices and how long more I had on probation. I kept my cool and chose to talk to the person instead. Based on how I was thinking during the incident, how I had responded instead of reacted, I realised that I was really capable of changing. I stopped hanging around with my old group of friends, making excuses to avoid meeting them. As time passed, my relationship with them became distant and I spent more time with my family. turning over a new leaf Both Mr Nic and my mum have been my pillars of strength. I was going through a lot of struggles, such as finding new friends, trying to become someone I was not comfortable with and this made me feel very lost. My mum raised me singlehandedly without much support. She worked multiple odd jobs just to support us. When her health deteriorated, I considered leaving school to work instead. However, she told me not to lose focus on my education. The small things she did such as a simple meal or asking me how my day was really kept me going. As for Mr Nic, we spoke a lot in the hostel. He showed me affection and love even though I’m a probationer and of a different race. He looked beyond my past and flaws. He encouraged me to have a plan and to work towards accomplishing something in life. That’s when I picked myself up and started working on my goals. He has given me lots of strength. This strength is enough to keep me going and that fire won’t stop. Throughout my journey, there were many people and experiences that have helped me to become the person I am today. Many of my teachers showed me lots of concern. They treated me with respect, even though I was in the system. I realise that the greatest battle is not with other people, but with me. As I look back at how I was back then and how well I’m doing now, I don’t even recognise myself. ~ Haris completed probation successfully in 2013 and also attained his GCE “O” Levels. Today, at age 18, he is pursuing a diploma in Counselling They gave me a perspective on how to view myself and my situation. Speaking to them, as well as to many other people, helped me find myself. nurturing growth 39 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Mike – Achieving, Leading and Serving At the age of 13, I sat at coffee shops in Geylang with gang members everyday and visited pubs, karaoke lounges, LAN gaming shops and billiard saloons with them. I did not attend school for almost two years. I usually returned home about 3am and once I got home, I would shout at my parents who shouted back at me. The next day, I spent my time in Geylang again and the same thing happened. 40 One day, my friend told me that there was an easy way to earn money. We were instructed by an “Ah Long” to splash paint at three houses for $50 each. We armed ourselves with a parang each and after splashing paint at the 3rd house, we were arrested. At 15 years of age, I was forced to return to Secondary One Normal (Academic) after I was placed on an 18-month probation. It was really tough. My form teacher called my Probation Officer every week to complain about me because I argued with teachers, tried to skip lessons and refused to join a CCA. My Probation Officer helped me to understand why what I did was wrong and told me to speak nicely to my teachers to avoid unnecessary trouble. Things improved after that. I attended many programmes including Reasoning and Reacting (RNR) programme and Y-Confidence Programme. I learnt to say “no” to negative friends who called me names and provoked me to hang out with them. I liked the Y-confidence programme so much that I went back to YMCA turning over a new leaf What I was last time What I am this time I usually argue with my mother at home all the time Now I seldom argue with my mother because now I know that whatever she do is for my own good I usually sleep very late at night about 1am – 2am, thus making myself waking up late Now during school days I sleep at 11pm , so that I can wake up in time and fully concentrate in class I usually take a long time to go down for my meals, thus causing myself to get scolded Now I go down promptly for my meals because I do not want people to wait for me I always bully my younger sister and scolding her for no reason Now I learn to care for my younger sister because as an elder brother I must do my part I like to keep my hair and nail very long causing my mother to nag at me Now I like to keep my hair and nails short because is more cooling and I won’t look so haggard I used to talk back to my 3rd brother who is also my roommate Now I usually listen to my brother because I know that whatever he say is for my own good I usually come home very late at night at 3am – 4am Now I come home early all the time even though my curfew is 9pm – 6am, I always come back before dinner time to have dinner with my family Excerpt from Mike’s presentation to the Juvenile Court Judge during his Court Review to volunteer. I felt that the things we did during the programme like helping the elderly were very meaningful. I also completed my 120 hours of community service at an old folks’ home. probation, there was a review of my progress in Court. I was given a commendation by the Juvenile Court for my good progress. This really motivated me to continue to improve myself. I began to have a close relationship with my teachers and discipline master in school. They appointed me to be the class monitor. I started to do well in my exams and achieved the top five position in class. My Probation Officer gave me study tips and encouraged me to keep up my good results. Six months after being on I do not hang out in Geylang or LAN game shops any more. I play basketball with my elder brothers, jog and play soccer. I continue to achieve the top five position in class after probation. advise them on classroom management. I have joined the Community Service Club as my CCA and I helped out in the Kindness Movement and an old folks’ home. Recently, I was also awarded an Edusave Scholarship for good results and conduct. I aim to do well for my GCE “N” levels next year and achieve direct admission to a Diploma course to study finance. I hope to go to university and be a banker in the future. Currently, I am still a class monitor and I am leading a team ~ Mike competed probation in of class monitors in my level to early 2013 nurturing growth 41 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Andrea – Singing a New Song Before probation, I used to think I could do anything I wanted to and still be above the law and never get caught. I had a very strained relationship with my mother, who is a single parent. I kept very late nights and spent all my time with friends idling and sniffing glue. around was not a good feeling. I didn’t enjoy one bit of what I had to go through at that point of time. I realised that with choices come consequences. The most important thing I learnt on probation was to be disciplined. The electronic tagging and curfew kept me out of trouble at night and very soon, I did not see any point in staying out late. I was tired of After committing housebreaking, seeing my mother being worried inhalant abuse and shoplifting, over me. I wanted to change for I was placed on a 21-month the better. probation with four months of electronic monitoring. On I have an insane love for music. My probation, the first challenge Probation Officer knew about this was the restriction to my and looked out for opportunities freedom. I wanted to stay out for me. She encouraged me to five minutes longer after 10pm attend an audition for a singing just to catch up with my friends programme. I did so well in the but I couldn’t. I also had to programme that I was offered a make an effort to go down to singing contract by the academy. Probation Office every week to see my Probation Officer This was the catalyst to get my life as well as to attend probation back on song. With the rigour of programmes. regular practice and performances, I changed my peers and late night Having to be watched over activities. My relationship with my closely at all times by people mother also improved. 42 There were people around me, who were very supportive such as my family members and especially my Probation Officer. My Probation Officer encouraged me a lot. She just wanted me to succeed. She trusted me and I was glad I did not let her down. When you fall, you’re the only one who can pick yourself up, dust yourself and start all over again. I would like to thank all the people who have helped me in the process of straightening myself out and guiding me to where the grass is greener. I want you all to know that your gracefulness have made yet another person’s life so much more fulfilled. ~ Andrea completed probation successfully in 2013. At 20, Andrea is now working. She has plans to further her education Moving forward The increase in the proportion of higher risk offenders on probation in recent years places greater demands on the supervision of such offenders. To ensure that our intervention is responsive and effective, our efforts will be focused on the following: Building a Professional Practice All Probation Officers will be trained to competently apply evidence-based models (RiskNeeds-Responsivity, Good Lives Model, Motivation techniques and Restorative Practice) during intervention with offenders and families. This would empower probationers to value a prosocial lifestyle and enable families to provide better support in completing their Probation Orders. Officers would be supported to do more extensive family work and facilitate access to services for the families. Given the fast-paced and intense nature of the work, support for the officers through clinical supervision is important. This will enable our officers to maintain a high quality of service in the rehabilitation of offenders. Following the clinical supervision training in 2013, the current supervision framework would be further developed in 2014. Programming for a Sustainable Pro-social Lifestyle Evidence-based and best practice would continue to inform our programme design, with wider application of the Good Lives Model. There would be greater engagement with the community to provide a variety of programmes and community service placements for youth probationers. This is to better integrate the offenders into naturalised social groups as they explore their interests, cultivate their talents and contribute to society. The creation of such new lifestyles would increase desistence to crime. nurturing growth 43 bearing fruit Nourished by the roots and leaves; and supported by the stem and branches, the tree bears a harvest of fruit. This final chapter gives a picture of the profile of probationers on probation in 2013. Probation Service Annual Report 2013 THE BIG PICTURE CHART 1. Number and Types of Cases Managed by Probation Service Probation Services Branch supervised a total of 2,238 probationers in 20137 (see Chart 1). Of these, 1,305 probationers performed Community Service during the year as part of their Probation Order. 965 Pre-Sentence Reports (PSRs) were called for by the Courts. Of these, 258 were PSRs for juvenile offenders and 707 were for adult offenders9. Of the 894 PSRs submitted in 201310, 98% (876) of recommendations were accepted by the Courts. 8 3000 2500 2000 2,557 2,523 2,474 1,837 500 1,191 1,198 2004 2005 1,320 2006 Total Cases on Supervision 2,984 2,866 2,533 1,817 1,824 1,544 1,510 1,721 1,545 1,435 1,508 1,287 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total Cases Performing Community Service NEW PROBATION CASES 2,753 2,238 1,700 1,632 1,646 1500 1000 2,709 2,858 2011 1,321 1,305 1,021 2012 532 487 454 441 417 418 200 0 2004 Total 2005 2006 2007 2008 Adult 2009 2013 Total Number of Pre-Sentence Reports There were 835 cases placed on CHART 2. Number of New Probation Cases probation in 201311 (see Chart 2). Of these new probation cases, 244 1,302 1,296 were juvenile and 591 were adult 1400 1,245 1,201 probation cases. The reduction in 1,146 1200 1,104 adult cases was driven primarily 1,026 975 931 by a fall in referrals for cases age 1000 885 878 839 22 years and above. There was 804 779 800 also a marked increase in the level 692 696 of complexity and risk of cases, as 494 600 488 illustrated in the following sections. 400 965 362 325 2010 2011 835 591 235 244 2012 2013 Juvenile These included those who were placed on probation in previous years and continued to be on probation in 2013. Pre-Sentence Reports (PSRs) are social reports requested by the Courts at pre-adjudication. The report contains backgrounds information on the offender’s family, education/work, social activity and attitude. It may contain reports from other professionals or agencies that the offender has been in contact with in the past. Based on the information obtained, a risk assessment is conducted and the Probation Officer puts up a recommendation on the offender’s suitability for probation. 9 Of the 707 PSRs for adult offenders, 2 of them were from the High Court. 10 This calculation excluded PSRs that were called for in 2013, but sentenced in 2014. 11 This includes cases that were referred for pre-sentence reports in 2012 and placed on probation in 2013. 7 8 46 bearing fruit PROFILE OF NEW PROBATION CASES IN 2013 Demography CHART 3. Gender 83% Male 17% Female The majority (83%, 693 out of 835) of offenders placed on probation in 2013 were male (see Chart 3). 65% (541 out of 835) of new probation cases were age 18 years and below at the start of probation (see Chart 4). There was a significant decline in cases age 22 years and above (8%, 66 out of 835 compared to 13%, 125 out of 931 cases in 2012) placed on probation. A minority (15%, CHART 4. Age at the Start of Probation Order 125 out of 835) of cases had postsecondary school qualifications at placement on probation. Below 16 years old 16 – 18 years old 23% 41% 19 – 21 years old 22 years and above 27% 9% 196 Cases 228 Cases 345 Cases 66 Cases nurturing growth 47 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 While the majority (60%, 499 out of 835) of new offenders on probation came from two-parent nuclear families, there was a slight increase in the number from reconstituted families (13%, 107 out of 835) as compared to 2012 (11%, 103 out of 931). The median household monthly income of the offenders was $3,020, 2.5 times less than the national median monthly household income of $7,87012. 90% (752 out of 835) of offenders came from families with incomes less than the median national household income, an increase in proportion from 2012 (86%, 800 out of 931) (see Charts 5 and 6). CHART 5. Family Structure Two-Parent Nuclear Family Single-Parent Nuclear Family Reconstituted Family Other Family Structures 60% 23% 13% 4% 499 Cases 192 Cases 107 Cases 37 Cases CHART 6. Household Income < $1000 8% 68 Cases 12 48 $1000 – $1999 $2000 – $2999 $3000 – $3999 $4000 – $4999 $5000 – $5999 $6000 – $6999 $7000 and above 18% 19% 16% 13% 8% 6% 12% 147 Cases 160 Cases 136 Cases 106 Cases Key Household Income Trends, 2013, Department of Statistics (Singapore). 67 Cases 48 Cases 103 Cases bearing fruit Types of offences The four most common offences were consistent with previous years. They were: theft and related (32%, 267 out of 835), unlawful assembly (11%, 92 out of 835), voluntarily causing hurt (10%, 85 out of 835) and unlicensed money lending (8%, 64 out of 835). However, unlawful assembly replaced voluntarily causing hurt as the second most common offence as compared to 2012. Offenders who committed the top 3 offences accounted for 53% (444 out of 835) of new probation cases (see Chart 7). CHART 7. Top 10 Primary Offences13 Juvenile Adult Total 1 Theft and Related 68 199 267 2 Unlawful Assembly 31 61 92 3 Voluntarily Causing Hurt 18 67 85 4 Unlicensed Money Lending and Related 17 47 64 5 Rioting 16 40 56 6 Fraud / Forgery 5 45 50 7 Housebreaking 15 18 33 8 Juvenile Smoking 31 0 31 9 Robbery 15 13 28 10 Sex with a Minor 3 19 22 Other offences committed by juvenile and adult offenders not listed here included offences such as sexual offences, cheating, possession of offensive weapon, vandalism / mischief etc. 13 nurturing growth 49 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 CONDITIONS OF PROBATION Grades of Probation CHART 8. Grades of Probation 100% 90% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 53% 50% 47% 50% 39% 80% The grades of probation correspond with the frequency of contact and 70% intensity of intervention provided 60% by the Probation Officer. The 50% majority (60%, 501 out of 835) of 40% offenders were placed on intensive 46% 49% 52% 49% 60% 30% or split (intensive-supervised) 20% probation as compared to 2012 10% (51%, 476 out of 931) (see Chart 8). These offenders were assessed 0% 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 to have greater risk issues such as weak family supervision or Intensive / Split Supervised Probation Administrative parent-child relationship, lack of Probation(Intensive/ Split Probation pro-social peers, unconstructive Supervised (Supervisedleisure activities, low engagement Administrative) in school or work, poor frustration tolerance and / or substance abuse. Such offenders required CHART 9. Proportion of Offenders Placed on Restrictive Conditions more intensive monitoring and (Hostel Residency or Electronic Monitoring) intervention. 40 Restrictive Conditions 40% (333 out of 835) of offenders were ordered to reside in a hostel or placed on electronic monitoring. This was an increase by 6 percentage points as compared to 2012 (34%, 318 out of 931) (see Chart 9). They were assessed to have a higher risk of re-offending and required tighter monitoring. 40% 35 35% 36% 30 34% 25 20 15 19% 16% 2009 Hostel 50 37% 19% 18% 2010 20% 19% 21% 19% 16% 2011 Electronic Monitoring 15% 2012 2013 Total (Electronic Monitoring and Hostel) bearing fruit Length of Probation Order CHART 10. Length of Probation Order Offenders were most commonly placed on Probation Orders of 16 to 18 months (26%, 217 out of 835). 34% (286 out of 835) of offenders were ordered to undergo more than 18 months of probation (See Chart 10). 200 Community Service 100 87% (727 out of 835) of offenders placed on probation in 2013 were required to perform community service as a condition of their Probation Order. The number of community service hours ordered generally ranged between 80 to 150 hours, with an average of 118 hours. 250 221 217 174 150 150 95 47 50 129 115 111 67 46 69 55 74 16 0 6 – 12 months Juvenile 13 13 – 15 months 16 – 18 months Adult 19 – 21 months 22 – 24 months 29 42 25 – 36 months Total nurturing growth 51 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 HOW WE DID IN 2013 Probation Conditions Similar to the new probation cases seen in 2013, the cases closed in 2013 were also observed to have increased risk and complexity. More than 52% of the offenders discharged from probation required intensive supervision, with another 41% given restrictive conditions of hostel residency and / or electronic monitoring. There was also an increase in the number of cases placed on more than 24 months of probation. Notably, 91% of cases placed on more than 24 months of probation were age 18 years and below (see Chart 11). CHART 11. Number of cases placed on Probation Orders of more than 24 months 99 100 80 69 59 60 41 40 40 32 30 18 20 8 0 2011 2012 Juvenile 52 Adult 2013 Total bearing fruit Risk Assessment The Youth Level of Service / Case Management Inventory (YLS/ CMI)14 is a risk assessment tool to assess the risk of re-offending for youth offenders age 18 years and below. For the cohort of offenders age 18 years and below discharged from probation in 2013, their risk level at the onset of probation was assessed to be higher than those discharged in 2012. Charts 12 and 13 show the shift in the distribution of risk levels. CHART 12. Distribution of Risk levels for Juvenile Cases (risk level at onset of probation) 2012 27% 60% 13% 2013 15% 61% 0 20 Low Risk 40 Moderate Risk 21% 60 80 High Risk 3% 100 Very High Risk CHART 13. Distribution of Risk levels for Cases age 18 years and below (risk level at onset of probation) 2012 34% 56% 10% 2013 30% 0 Low Risk 20 55% 40 Moderate Risk 60 High Risk 14% 1% 80 100 Very High Risk The YLS/CMI risk assessment tool is used for youth offenders age 18 years and below. See page 20 for details. 14 nurturing growth 53 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Probation Completion Rate In spite of the increased risk profile of 963) completed their Probation discharge from probation by the of offenders discharged from Orders successfully (See Chart 14). Courts for good progress made probation in 2013, 83% (795 out 16 probationers were granted early throughout their probation journey. CHART 14. Probation Completion Rate 100% 90% 90% 91% 87% 82% 84% 80% 80% 87% 82% 90% 85% 80% 89% 87% 87% 85% 82% 89% 86% 81% 77% 90% 88% 84% 88% 87% 84% 86% 83% 76% 70% 72% 60% 50% 2004 2005 2006 Juvenile 54 2007 2008 2009 Adult 2010 2011 Overall 2012 2013 bearing fruit There was a positive correlation between probation completion rate and the offenders’ age in 2013 (see Chart 15). Offenders age 19 years and above performed well, with a higher completion rate (91%) than 2012 (87%). Findings show that the probationers presented a higher level of risk and multiple needs. Probation Service will be strengthening its efforts in enabling probationers to change their attitudes towards offending and engage in pro-social leisure activities. Families will also be provided greater support in providing care and supervision. CHART 15. Probation Completion Rate by Age Group 100 80 73% 81% 89% 93% 60 40 20 0 < 16 years 16 – 18 years 19 – 21 years > 21 years nurturing growth 55 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Reasons for Non-Completion of Probation CHART 16. Reasons for Non-Completion of Probation Order Warrant of Arrest / At Large 168 offenders did not complete probation successfully in 2013. 4% 6 Cases Commission of further offences Commission of during probation and poor Further Offences Poor Response to response to supervision15 were Supervision 47% 79 Cases the two main reasons for the revocation of probation order. The 49% 83 Cases majority (49%) of probationers failed to complete probation due to CHART 17. Probation Completion Rate – Hostel versus Non-Hostel Cases their poor response to supervision such as persistent failure to abide 100% by the time restriction or failure to 86% 83% 85% 87% 87% return to hostel (See Chart 16). 78% 80% Performance of Offenders on Restrictive Conditions (Hostel Residency and Electronic Monitoring) 60% 72% 65% 56% 40% Generally, offenders placed 20% on probation with restrictive conditions such as hostel residency 0% or electronic monitoring have Hostel Non-Hostel more complex risk issues and face more challenges in completing Juvenile Closed Cases Adult Closed Cases probation successfully. There was a decline in the completion rate for CHART 18. Probation Completion Rate of Hostel Cases those ordered to reside in a hostel as a condition of the Probation 100% Order, as compared to previous 82% years (see Charts 17 and 18). 80% 71% 72% 71% Overall Overall Closed Cases 78% 75% 73% 65% 56% 60% 40% 20% 0% 2011 Juvenile Closed Cases 15 2012 Adult Closed Cases 2013 Overall Closed Cases Poor response to supervision included breach of time restriction, failure to return to hostel, poor progress in hostel and other non-compliance to probation conditions. 56 bearing fruit As compared to the completion CHART 19. Probation Completion Rate of Cases on Electronic Monitoring rate for hostel cases, those placed 100% on probation with electronic monitoring had a higher completion 84% 84% 84% 83% 85% 84% rate. 73% (153 out of 211) of those 80% 74% 73% given a condition of electronic 67% monitoring completed probation 60% successfully (see Chart 19). Recidivism Rate 40% The recidivism rate continued to be a downward trend. Of the cohort of offenders who completed probation successfully in 2010, 88.9% remained crime-free 3 years after discharge from probation. The three-year recidivism rate for the cohort who completed probation in 2010 was 11.1% (see Chart 20). 20% 0% 2011 2012 Juvenile Closed Cases Adult Closed Cases 2013 Overall Closed Cases CHART 20. Recidivism Rate 15.0% 13.8% 12.9% 12.0% 11.3% 9.0% 2008 3 Year Recidivism Rate 11.0% 2009 11.1% 9.4% 2010 2 Year Recidivism Rate nurturing growth 57 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 ABOUT DIVERSIONARY PROGRAMMES Research has shown that offending by youth offenders can be time an risk of re-offending, they are given a chance to be rehabilitated and no Probation Service currently oversees the following Diversionary Progr Guided by a social worker, the youth is involved in a six-month program the right choices and lead a crime-free lifestyle. GP Guidance Programme Youth offenders could be given a stern warning if they complete the programme successfully in lieu of court prosecution. 2006 1997 Introduction of GP for youth offenders (below 16 years) <16 YRS GP-ID GP extended to young offenders aged 16 to 19 years (termed “GP Plus”) GP developed to cater to youth with intellectual disabilities (termed “GP-ID”) GP extended to young persons arrested for possession or peddling of duty unpaid cigarettes 16-19 YRS 2003 2009 AVERAGE OF 700 young offenders referred every year 58 KEY PARTNERS Attorney-General’s Chambers, Singapore Police Force, Ministry of Education, Singapore Customs and 16 social service agencies other community-based programmes nd age-limited. By diverting youth offenders away from the criminal justice system, especially those with lower ot face the stigma and effects of the criminal justice system at a young age. rammes – Guidance Programme, Streetwise Programme and Enhanced Supervision Scheme (Young Persons). mme, which includes individual, group-based and family sessions. The programmes aim to help the youth make SWP ESS(YP) Enhanced Supervision Scheme (Young Person) Streetwise Programme 1997 13-18 YRS Sep 2012 Introduction of SWP for youth associating with gangs (Between 13 and 18 years) Managed by National Youth Council MSF Introduction of Enhanced Streetwise Programme. A six-month intensive programme for youth offenders, who play a minor role in a gang-related offence, in-lieu of court prosecution Apr 2012 MSF took over management of SWP 92 youths referred in 2013 Introduced in late 2013 for youth who abuse drugs. The programme augments the regular urine test regime with a casework and counselling component KEY PARTNERS KEY PARTNERS Attorney-General’s Chambers, Secret Societies Branch (CID), Singapore Police Force, the Ministry of Education and five social service agencies Central Narcotics Bureau and five agencies nurturing growth 59 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Supporting Social Service Agencies Sharing Session with Social Service Agencies on Legal Framework On 29 August 2013, representatives from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) were invited to share with the agencies running the Guidance Programme and the Streetwise Programme on the legal framework in the management of youth offenders. The session provided the agencies with a better understanding of the criminal jurisdiction system, the rationale of the diversionary system and AGC’s considerations when deciding to place a youth offender on a diversionary programme. This has paved the way for all community agencies working along the offender rehabilitation continuum to have a common understanding and working language to assess and manage the risk of youth offenders. Adoption of M.O.R.E by Fei Yue FSC The Motivating Offenders to Rethink Everything (M.O.R.E) Programme was extended to Fei Yue Family Service Centre, which runs the Guidance Programme. The agency has thus far conducted three runs of the programme for 31 participants, of which 12 sessions were audited. Preliminary findings of the evaluation revealed that 59% of Extension of The Risk the youth participants showed an Assessment Tool increased readiness to change. Another 65% showed an increase The risk assessment tool, Youth in meta-cognition. The majority Level of Service / Case Management of participants indicated that they Inventory currently used by the had better control of themselves Ministry and Singapore Prison and were more able to apply Service for youth offenders was consequential thinking in their extended to all agencies conducting daily lives. the Guidance Programme and Streetwise Programmes in May Sharing knowledge with social 2013. About 100 personnel have service agencies is part of PSB’s been trained to use the tool. commitment to strengthen Ongoing support is given to the community-based rehabilitation agencies on the application of programmes for better youth the tool for risk assessment and offender outcomes. There are case management. plans to get more agencies to conduct the M.O.R.E programme. 60 The use of evidence-based programmes is useful because we know that the programme has been thoroughly studied and developed to address a specific issue / need within the youths as compared to one that has more generic content. This gives us greater confidence in rehabilitating the young offenders. Moving forward, I welcome the use of evidence-based practices and hope to see greater application of such practices within the social service sector. ~Joyz, Senior Social Worker / Assistant Manager, Fei Yue FSC other community-based programmes COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER (COMMUNITY ORDER) Background Originally implemented in 1996 as a condition of probation and as a stand-alone option for juvenile offenders, Community Service Order became available as a stand-alone Community Order option for offenders aged 16 years and above in 2011. It gives offenders the chance to make amends and benefit the community while being punished for their offences. The Heart of Restoration Probation Service currently works alongside six agencies in facilitating the completion of Community Service Orders. These agencies include nursing homes, a soup kitchen and one of the town councils. Through performing work ranging from food preparation, delivery of meals, laundry work, cleaning and maintenance of premises to administrative duties, the offenders are given the chance to serve the community in different ways. Ms. Wilma from Kheng Chiu Home shared that most offenders were “happy to assist in the maintenance work, which contributed to the elderly clients having a clean environment to stay in”. She was heartened to see some offenders return to the home to greet the staff and visit the elderly after completing their community service hours. Parallel to this, offenders describe their experience as a good opportunity to give back to the community. Put succinctly by one 66-year-old offender who completed 140 hours of Community Service, “I felt happy I could do something to give back to the community. It was a good opportunity for me to be exposed to the less fortunate. It also taught me the importance of thinking before acting.” Community Service Order as a sentencing option has seen a consistently positive completion rate varying between 93 to 95%. It has also added value to offenders, who view it as their second chance to move forward in life. I learnt to be more considerate and to be more disciplined in managing my time. ~ Paul (not his real name), 31 years old, who completed 100 hours of Community Service While it was a challenge to balance family, work and CSO, I learn to better appreciate what I have. CSO has increased my interest to volunteer and I would continue volunteering at the agency. ~ Yusof (not his real name), 44 years old, who completed 200 hours of Community Service CSO was enriching and I got to know more about the agencies. ~ Mary (not her real name), 32 years old, who completed 160 hours of Community Service nurturing growth 61 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 Probation Programmes S/N Programme DESCRIPTION 1 Anti-Drug Workshop A workshop co-conducted by staff from Probation Service and Central Narcotics Bureau for offenders with a history of drug related issues. Through discussions and role plays, the workshop highlights the dangers of abusing drugs and share ways for offenders to stay away from drugs. 2 Anti Secret Society Talk A seminar conducted by the Singapore Police Force Secret Societies Branch for offenders with previous or current gang association. Parents are required to accompany the offenders. The objectives are to help: a)offenders to decline any gang involvement, and for b)parents to be vigilant to help their children stay away from gang association. 3 Basic Education Sexuality Treatment (BEST) Programme A 12 to 18-month specialised treatment group or individual therapy conducted by the Clinical and Forensic Psychology Branch (CFPB) for adolescent and adult males with special needs who have committed sexual offence(s) or have engaged in sexually aggressive behaviours. The objective of the programme is to increase well-being, improve functioning and reduce or manage the risk of sexual re-offending. 4 Challenging Offending and Misguided Behaviour through Apt Treatment (COMBAT) This core programme consists of three modules: a)Victim Impact raises awareness of the impact of crime on victims and encourages victim empathy in offenders. b)Law and Order educates on the common offences in Singapore and highlights the necessity of law to protect the society. c)Responsible Thinking & Self Control equips offenders with thinking skills and self-control strategies. 5 Conflict Resolution A group programme for young adult offenders who lack constructive skills in resolving conflicts. The objective is to help the young adult offenders understand how conflicts arise and introduce pro-social methods of resolving differences through discussions and role-plays. 6 Decision Making and Problem Solving An interactive workshop for young adult offenders with poor decision making and/or problem solving skills. Using an evidence-based six-step model, the programme aims to equip the young adults with the right skills to manage risky situations and avoid committing further offence. 7 Engaging Parents in Court (EPIC) / EPIC Plus Induction An induction programme for offenders and their parents at the commencement of probation. The objectives are to: a)inform offenders and their parents about the probation process, and b)empower parents to play an active role in their child’s rehabilitation journey. 8 Enhanced Parenting Workshop Series A 5-session group programme for parents of offenders that aims to improve communication between parent and child for effective parenting. The parents are guided on using communication as a foundation for effective boundary negotiation and conflict management while the offenders are also involved to foster greater parent-child communication and bonding. The programme also includes an adventure-based activity to provide the offenders and their families with a therapeutic experience to practice communication skills learnt during the group sessions. 9 62 Enhanced Periodic Training Order A 30-session skills training programme for moderate to higher-risk offenders that teaches offenders “how to think, not what to think”. Using the Reasoning and Re-Acting (A) framework, the programme aims to instil offenders with alternative cognitive strategies to challenge offence-supportive thinking. probation programmes S/N Programme DESCRIPTION 10 Enhanced Streetwise Programme An intensive six-month preventive and rehabilitative programme for youths aged 13 to 19 years, to address the negative impact of youths participating in street corner gangs. The programme provides a series of counselling, life skills groupwork and recreational activities with the aims to steer youths away from continued association with gangs and help them make a fresh start in life. 11 Experiential Learning Programmes Programmes that provide offenders with a learning platform through direct experience. For example, the Y-Confidence Programme is a six session programme targeted at offenders in need of constructive engagement and positive peers. A youth volunteer will befriend a offender to participate in activities together to build physical and mental discipline and leadership skills. 12 Family Intervention Team (FIT) A six-month intensive co-case management programme targeted at offenders and their families with high risk and needs. The objectives are to improve the parents’ ability in managing their children’s behaviours and prevent the offenders and their siblings from committing offences. Case workers from social service agencies work closely with the Probation Officers to provide this home-based family-centred intervention. 13 Family Intervention Team Plus (FIT Plus) An extended and enhanced version of FIT programme. FIT Plus is a 12-month intensive cocase management programme designed for offenders residing in hostels and their families. 14 iM.Able A six-month co-case management programme for offenders with mental illnesses to equip them with skills to cope with life stressors and manage their behaviours. Case workers from a social service agency provide social skills training and appropriate psychological intervention to complement Probation Officers’ work. 15 Mandatory Counselling Order (MO) A mandated condition requiring selected parents of offenders to undergo compulsory counselling sessions conducted by professionals from social service agencies. Parents are counselled on effective management of marital and parent-child relationship issues to provide an appropriate home environment for their child’s rehabilitation. 16 Motivating Offenders to Rethink Everything (M.O.R.E) A four-session programme that aims to enable offenders to take new perspectives, learn how their thinking affects their actions and motivate them to change. 17 Periodic Training Order (Intellectual disability) A three-month training programme designed for offenders with intellectual disabilities. This group programme focuses on teaching social skills to promote pro-social behaviours. 18 Periodic Training Order (Inhalant Abuse) A four-month comprehensive skills-training group programme to address the risk issues of offenders with a history of abusing inhalants. The group programme also helps offenders to increase their self-awareness and consequential thinking and be equipped for relapse prevention. 19 Positive Adolescent Sexuality Treatment (PAST) Programme A six to nine-month specialised group programme conducted by CFPB for adolescent offenders who have committed sexual offence(s) or are engaged in sexually abusive behaviours. The objectives of the group are to enhance self-esteem and develop greater commitment for rehabilitative treatment to reduce or manage the risk of sexual re-offending. 20 Positive Psychotherapy Group (PPG) A six to nine-month specialised treatment group programme conducted by CFPB for adult men who have committed sexual offence(s) or have engaged in sexually aggressive behaviours. It adopts a strengths-based approach and the objectives are to promote good lives and reduce/ manage risk of sexual re-offending. nurturing growth 63 Probation Service Annual Report 2013 S/N Programme DESCRIPTION 21 Power to Parents (P2P) A 15-month parenting programme for parents of offenders residing in hostels. The programme seeks to impart practical parenting skills and address reintegration concerns to prepare the parents for the offenders’ discharge from hostel. 22 Prison Visit A half-day experiential programme that provides offenders with a first-hand experience of prison life. It aims to help them to cherish the opportunity for community-based rehabilitation and deter them from committing further offences. 23 Project HEAL (Healing, Empowering and Linking) A restorative conference conducted in collaboration with the Juvenile Court to provide offenders a chance to hear from the victim about the impact of his/her offence and to make amends. Based on the Restorative Justice model, the conference facilitates the restoration of broken relationships as a result of crime. 24 Smoking Cessation Programme A two-session programme held at polyclinics for offenders who have committed smoking offences or with smoking habit to educate them on the dangers and ills of smoking. In addition to the Clinic, Probation Service also collaborated with the Health Promotion Board to conduct a five-session anti-smoking programme for juvenile offenders residing in hostels. The programme equipped the participants with the knowledge, skills and strategies to quit smoking and remain tobacco-free. 64 25 Sports and Arts Programmes A variety of programmes targeting offenders with moderate to high risk in peer association and leisure activities. The programmes offered in 2013 included soccer, dance and basketball. The aims are to cultivate the habit of participation in pro-social activities and introduce healthy lifestyle to them. 26 Theft Intervention Programme (TIP) A four-month specialised treatment group programme conducted by CFPB. The programme is for adolescents who have committed repeated theft offences. The objective of the programme is to change the way theft offenders think about stealing and to teach them the skills to desist from their theft offending behaviour. 27 Tweens Integrated Social skills Training and Enrichment Programme (IN-STEP) A four-month programme specially designed for young offenders aged 14 years and below. This programme aims to enhance the young offenders’ ability to respond to risky situations, establish healthy peer relations and make good decisions. The young offenders are given intensive social skills training while their parents are also equipped with behaviour management skills. 28 Violence Prevention Programme (VPP) Through a cognitive behavioural model, this specialised group programme equips offenders with knowledge and skills to reduce and prevent violent behaviours. The programme includes two sessions. Parents are required to attend to learn to better understand and support their child. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS EDITORIAL TEAM The editorial team would like to thank the following individuals and organisations for their contributions towards the preparation of this report: Ms Aileen Tan Senior Assistant Director / Operations (Youth) Ng, MySpace Psychotherapy Services Pte Ltd Mr Loy Siang Meng Assistant Manager ♦Esther ♦ Stephanie Wong, Tan Wan Lin, Rouisanna Wong, Marlia Mohamed and the talented probationers who helped with the illustrations ♦Gabriel Low, Pauline Chia, Regina Ng and Siti Aisha for contributing to the development of the Annual Report’s Concept Shawn Lim, our Research Assistant, for assisting in the statistical analysis Mr Samuel Beh Probation Officer IN CONSULTATION WITH Ms Bernadette Alexander Deputy Director / Chief Probation Officer Mr Gan Jin Yee Assistant Director / Operations (Adult) ♦ ♦ Staff of Probation Service ♦ Many other partners who contributed Ms Irene Cheng Assistant Director / Professional Development, Resource Management and Diversionary Programmes Ms Ting Siew Ling Manager / Community Partnerships All rights reserved Published by Probation Services Branch, Ministry of Social and Family Development The information contained in this report may not be reproduced in part or whole, nor the contents used without prior written permission from the Ministry. The information is accurate at the time of print. PROBATION SERVICES BRANCH 1 Kay Siang Road, #01-10, Singapore 248922 Infoline: 1800-258-7963 [email protected]