More than 6,500 children have been placed in foster care since Singapore’s Fostering Scheme began in 1956, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) noted as it marked 70 years of fostering at its Fostering Open House on Saturday (24 October). An appreciation dinner on 31 October will honour 39 foster children and youth.
What fostering is
The scheme covers children and youth below 18 who have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment and need alternative care. Foster care is temporary, and where it is safe, the goal is to reunite children with their birth families.
As of December 2025, there were 525 foster children and 646 foster families. MSF wants more families to come forward, so that each child can be matched with a family suited to their needs. Four appointed Fostering Agencies support foster families: Boys’ Town Fostering Services, Epworth Foster Care, Gracehaven Fostering and PPIS Oasis.
“For 70 years, foster families have journeyed alongside children during important periods of their lives, giving them care, stability and a sense of belonging,” said Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli.
The open house
The Fostering Open House ran from 12.30pm to 5.30pm at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. Its main programme was an interactive theatre performance adapted from real fostering experiences, built on three themes: that fears are normal, that small everyday acts of care build trust, and that families do not need to know everything before they foster. Foster parents then led four breakout sessions, on teenagers, couples, children with unique needs, and faith and community support.
Support for foster parents
In October 2025, MSF raised fostering allowances for families caring for teenagers, including teenagers with special or medical needs. It also strengthened casework support from the Fostering Agencies for foster parents of adolescents.
The 31 October dinner
The 70th Fostering Anniversary Appreciation Dinner doubles as the 13th annual awards ceremony for foster children and youth. Of the 39 awards, 12 are for academic achievement, 10 for sports and arts, 13 for character development and four are Outstanding Achievement Awards. For the first time, MSF will also present awards to Foster Care Workers and Foster Care Teams.
Families can apply to foster at msf.gov.sg/fostering.
