Understanding the Law for Youths & Families
Helping youths and parents in Singapore understand their responsibilities and the legal system designed to protect and guide them.
At Amicus, we believe that understanding the law is the first step to staying safe, making good decisions, and building a life of purpose and responsibility.
What the Law Really Means – The Law is Not Just About Punishment
Most people think of the law as a list of “don’ts.” But at its heart, the law exists to protect and empower. It ensures safety, fairness, and order – from protecting victims of family violence, to regulating age-appropriate responsibilities, to helping young people learn from mistakes.
Who Makes the Law
• Parliament – Elected leaders create most of our laws, called Acts or Statutes.
• Ministers & Committees – They issue detailed Regulations to enforce those laws.
• Judges – Their decisions form case law, guiding how laws are applied fairly in real life.
Key Laws Youths Should Know – Laws That Protect You
• Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA): Protects anyone under 18 from abuse or neglect.
• Family Law: Ensures children are cared for when parents separate or divorce.
• Education & Work Laws: Protect youths from unsafe or exploitative jobs.
Things You Cannot Do (for your protection)
| Activity | Minimum Legal Age |
| Employment | 13 years old |
| Driving | 18 years old |
| Buying/Drinking Alcohol | 18 years old |
| Smoking or Buying Cigarettes | 21 years old |
| Sexual Activity | 16 years old |
These laws are meant to protect your well-being – not to control you. Understanding them helps you stay out of trouble and make better choices.
When Youths Get Into Trouble – Youth Offenders
When a young person commits an offence, the Youth Court steps in – focusing not on punishment, but on rehabilitation and reform.
Possible Outcomes:
• Probation: Stay in the community under supervision, while attending counselling, community work, or curfews.
• Community Service: Giving back through supervised volunteer work.
• Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres: For structured learning, therapy, and lifeskills training.
• Reformative Training (RT): For ages 14–21, involving structured education and vocational training in a secure centre.
Support for Youths and Families – Family Issues and the Law
The Family Justice Courts and Syariah Courts handle family-related cases such as:
• Divorce, custody, and access
• Family violence protection
• Child maintenance and guardianship
The law seeks the best interests of the child – ensuring that even after conflict, children remain safe, supported, and connected to both parents
If You’re a Victim or Need Help – Family Violence and Protection
If someone in your home hurts or threatens you:
• Tell a teacher, school counsellor, or social worker.
• You can apply (through an adult) for:
• Personal Protection Order (PPO)
• Domestic Exclusion Order (DEO)
These are legal safeguards that prevent abusers from hurting or approaching you.
“Discipline is not violence.”
If punishment causes pain, injury, or fear – seek help immediately.
Youth Law in Action – The Courts
Different Courts in Singapore
• Family Justice Courts: Divorce, family violence, maintenance.
• Youth Courts: Care and protection, family guidance, youth offenders.
• Community Court: Rehabilitation-focused for young adults under 21.
• Syariah Court: Muslim marriages and divorces.
Services for Youths & Families
Youth and Family Programmes at Amicus
We partner with lawyers, doctors, schools and family service agencies to help youths and families going through legal proceeds or involved
with the law.
Our Services Include:
• Youth Coaching and Mentoring – Helping youths build identity, purpose, and responsibility.
• Court Support and Family Guidance – Coaching for families referred under Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA) or Family Guidance Order (FGO).
• Therapeutic Counselling and Psychological Assessments – For youths in distress, victims of abuse, or those facing charges.
• Reintegration Evaluation and Guidance – For youths completing probation or reformative training.
• Parent Support and Coaching – Helping parents rebuild communication and trust with their children.
• Preventive Education Talks – On legal awareness, substance abuse like vaping, digital safety, relationship building, youth development and engagement, etc.
If you or someone you know is at risk – don’t wait.
Reach out for confidential guidance and support.
We are in the business of empowering youths and families to make responsible, lawful, and lifegiving choices. We are your “friend in good times and bad”. Reach out when you need.
Submitting your form does not confirm engagement of services. We will follow up with details, like dates, time, cost, venue, etc. where applicable within three working days.
Stay Empowered, Stay Informed
Useful Resources
• Singapore Statutes Online (AGC)
• Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)
• Family Justice Courts (FJC)
• Community Justice Centre (CJC)
