- Is Youth Link extended to all secondary schools, including independent school, government-aided?
Yes, Youth Link is extended to all secondary schools.
- If my potential OSY cases are already gainfully employed, do we still refer such cases to Youth Link?
You may refer the students to Youth Link. Although gainful employment is one of the objectives of the Youth Link programme, the process in which Youth Link clients will go through in the programme such as counselling and skills training are also important. We hope that through these programme components, the OSYs will build their self esteem and awareness and eventually be able to enhance the OSY's overall well being.
- Can an FSC counsellor be present for the exit interview instead of the Youth Link agencies?
The purpose of having a social worker from the Youth Link agency to attend the school exit conference is to facilitate the handover of the OSY from the school to the Youth Link agency. The exit conference is a platform for agency to network with school, OSY and his/her family. In addition, background knowledge on the OSY and his family can be learnt by the agency during the school exit conference. This is important as the social workers from the Youth Link agencies will be working with the OSYs in the Youth Link programme.
- Would schools need to bear any cost in referring our students to Youth Link?
This programme is partially funded by MCYS. Schools or parents need not pay for the programme. Schools, however, can choose to top up the funding from MCYS if they wish to.
- Why there are no Youth Link agencies in the West?
We are aware that the Youth Link agencies are situated in the East and North. If the situation arises where the 4 Youth Link agencies are unable to cope with the large number of Youth Link clients, we will explore the possibility of inviting other agencies to take up this programme. For now, the 4 agencies that are listed in the memo on Youth Link are the only agencies implementing Youth Link. Therefore, you should refer your cases to these agencies.
- What are the next steps that I should take when I have identified an OSY or truant that I want to refer to Youth Link?
You may refer the OSY or truant by contacting one of the four Youth Link agencies listed in the website.
- Can I contact an FSC when I wish to refer a student to Youth Link?
Currently, only the 4 agencies listed in this website (4PM, P180, Yayasan MENDAKI, YMCA Project Bridge) are implementing Youth Link. You should call these agencies instead of an FSC.
- Can schools refer truants to another agency such as SINDA or STEP UP agencies?
The Youth Link programme is currently operated by the 4 agencies listed in this website. You may choose to refer your students to agencies other than Youth Link agencies. However, schools are strongly encouraged to refer truant cases with less than 50% attendance for more than 1 month to 1 year to Youth Link Agencies.
- How should schools select the agency to send their students?
Schools may refer their students according to the following.
- Proximity of agency to the student’s home;
- Proximity of agency to the school; and
- Parental preference
