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The Forensic Rehabilitation, Intervention, Evaluation& Network Development Services (FRIENDS) at the Child Guidance Clinic provides comprehensive and integrated multi-disciplinary assessment and intervention services for the following groups facing mental health issues:

  • Young offenders
  • Youth-at-risk of committing offences
  • Victims of child abuse
  • Children and parents involved in complex custody and access disputes

Our multidisciplinary team comprises psychiatrists, psychologists and medical social workers. This team collaborates with external agencies, including schools, the police, social service organisations, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), and other organisations that provide recreational activities and educational services for youth.


  • Young Offenders 
    When a youth commits an offence, it causes significant problems to the individual and imposes a social, psychological and economic burden on his/her family, community and society at large. Often, youth offenders also have mental health issues that aggravate the problem. It is, hence, important to identify and address the mental health needs of these youth.
  • Youth-at-risk 
    In view of the issues caused by youth committing offences, it is crucial to adopt a preventive and developmental approach in reaching out to youths who exhibit anti-social attitudes or behaviours, as they might be at risk of mental health problems and brushes with the law.
  • Victims of Child Abuse 
    Child abuse is associated with significant psychological problems, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. It can lead to behavioural problems and is correlated with an increased risk of substance use, repeat victimisation and criminality in adulthood. Such outcomes can be avoided with early detection and intervention.

  • Assessment services
  • Treatment services
  • Support services
    • Referrals to community resources
    • Supportive training for partner agencies and inter-agency consultation on mental health issues related to our target groups.