Fatal abuse of Megan Khung: Singapore Children’s Society says it was ‘collective failure’ of system, recommends changes

The charity also urged ECDA to appoint child safety officers who “take ownership of, and are proficient” in managing child protection concerns within each preschool centre.

These officers can be educators who step up to receive dedicated and specialised training in child protection. 

This includes the knowledge on how to utilise the sector-specific screening guide – a screening tool rolled out by MSF in phases since 2016 to guide professionals in handling child abuse concerns. 

“However, the availability of the tool does not necessarily mean that it is effectively disseminated and utilised in the sector,” it added.

A survey conducted by the charity in 2017 on child protection found that 27.1 per cent of the 336 respondents were aware of the screening guide. 

“Our inference was that, as the tool was newly rolled out, it would take some time to raise awareness of it.”

It is now conducting a follow-up survey to find out how this knowledge might have changed since then.

These officers can also be trained in trauma-informed practice and be equipped to provide psychological first aid for children who are abused, said the Singapore Children’s Society.

They should be independent from the role of centre leaders and serve as “closer touchpoints” for preschool educators to consult with and seek guidance from.

Child Safety Officers can also benefit from establishing partnerships with the Child Protective Service and social service agencies in the community.

“It is the nuanced cases, for example, when injuries are noticed from perceived excessive discipline, that are tricky to handle and require better skilled child protection workers to carefully navigate relationships, while keeping the best interests of children at heart,” said the Singapore Children’s Society.

It suggested formal support structures can be implemented for these agencies to be tapped for guidance in the monitoring of “more ambiguous concerns” of suspected abuse.

This would also ensure that preschool educators’ concerns would be “appropriately right-sited” by experts in child protection.

CNA has contacted MSF for its response to the Singapore Children’s Society statement and its recommendations.

“Let us take concrete steps towards creating a stronger ecosystem that prioritises the safety and well-being of the youngest in our society,” said the charity.

“Let us also recognise our collective responsibility in this because every child deserves our protection from harm.”