DayOne

Research shows that caregivers of children diagnosed with developmental needs are more likely to suffer mental health challenges, which can greatly affect the mental health of the developing child. While Singapore has made advances in supporting children with developmental needs in recent years through programmes such as the Development Support Learning Support (DS-LS) Programme, Development Support - Plus (DS-Plus), Inclusive Support Programme and Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) Under-2, more support can be given to the caregiver of the child.

To address this, DayOne, a 2-year-pilot that commenced in Apr 2022, will provide the universal screening of 500 caregivers for the presence or risk of mental health challenges at the emotionally difficult milestone when their preschool-age child is diagnosed with developmental needs at KKH’s Department of Child Development (DCD). It will offer intervention services for the caregiver thereafter, based on his or her needs, through a multi-disciplinary team comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, medical social workers, paediatricians and nurses. The project budget is $3.6 million for 2 years. About 75% is supported by the Lien Foundation, while the balance will be funded by KKH.