Singapore uses data to protect children from abuse
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The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) in Singapore launched SAFER, a new unit that uses a risk algorithm to identify and monitor families with potential child protection concerns.
SAFER analyzes data from multiple government agencies, including police and narcotics bureaus, to create risk profiles for children and their families. The system aims to flag cases needing attention, potentially preventing tragedies like the death of Megan Khung, a four-year-old girl who suffered abuse.
SAFER is designed to support, not replace, the judgment of child protection staff. Social workers will review alerts generated by the algorithm and use their expertise to determine appropriate action, like strengthening safety plans or initiating new interventions. In 2024, Singaporean authorities handled 2,303 new high-risk and 3,292 new lower-risk child abuse cases. While promising, the MSF acknowledges that SAFER’s success depends on data quality and ongoing refinement.
Risk algorithms can be limited by biased data, like disproportionately flagging low-income families, and require careful calibration to avoid false alarms. The launch of SAFER is part of a broader effort by MSF to strengthen child protection, including forming an expert panel to resolve inter-agency disagreements and establishing a fund for well-being initiatives. Ultimately, the MSF emphasizes that people, not technology, are responsible for protecting children.
