An optimal, learning environment for homeschooled children is one that is safe and nurturing.
Homeschool Singapore advocates for children’s rights, where each child is respected as a whole person who has access to, and cannot be denied: safety, food, shelter, movement, identity, and community.
Homeschooling families ought to be aware of hidden dangers that homeschooled children may be susceptible to :
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Confinement and Food Deprivation
- Isolation and Totalistic Families
- Adoption and Special Needs Abuse
- Medical Neglect and Identity Abuse
- Trafficking and Missing Children
SUPPORT
Homeschooled children and parents need support. Especially so in Singapore, the pressure on parents to “not fail” and “do well in the eyes of society” may lead to unreasonable expectations on the family. It is easy to forget that every family has unique strengths and calling, and we should not be living a cookie-cutter lifestyle based on comparison with others. After all, no two persons are the same.
To reduce isolation and increase visibility, homeschooling families should join a community to find support. It is almost impossible to do homeschooling by yourself. And it is a lot more fun – less pressurising – to know you’re not the only feeling the same way! A homeschool community has the added benefit of offering wide networks to opportunities for growth and learning for the children.
Homeschooling families who are healthily plugged into a community are then equipped to help look out for the well-being of homeschooled children at large.
If you come across a case of child abuse that is beyond your community’s ability to help, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) offers a list of numbers for members of the public to contact.
HELPLINES
Source: Ministry of Social and Family Development:
Families who are experiencing difficulties are advised to seek help early by approaching the nearest family service centre or social service office. Members of the public can also provide the first level of support for vulnerable families by reaching out to them with care and concern. For further information or for reporting of child abuse, please contact :
Child Protective Service Helpline: 1800-777 0000
(Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5.30pm and Saturday, 8.30am-1pm)
Child Protective Service
SLF Podium
#01-01 to #01-09
512A Thomson Road
Singapore 298137
Child Protection Specialist Centres
HEART@Fei Yue
6819 9170
http://www.fycs.org/index.cfm?GPID=260
heartadmin@fycs.org
Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm
Big Love Child Protection Specialist Centre
6445 0400
http://www.biglove.org.sg/
contact@biglove.org.sg
Monday – Friday 9.00am – 6.00pm
SAFE SPACE
6266 0171
http://www.pave.org.sg
admincpsc@pave.org.sg
Monday – Friday 9.00am – 1.00pm; 2.00pm – 6.00pm
or the Police Divisional HQ or the nearest Neighbourhood Police Post.