Reflecting on the current study, Chye explained:
I felt it was important to hear the experiences recounted directly by those who went through those unprecedented and harrowing first weeks. This is not third-party reporting. I was rather surprised to hear about the guilt of parents – that they had failed their children. And that some children felt they were actually better off at the boarding school. And the one that touched me when the administrator of a welfare home (which was running low on supplies) told the children that “they had to adjust and not eat so much anymore, or eat more rice without the usual dish accompaniment like they did during normal times”.

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The study was conducted over a three-week period through a nationwide survey as well as online interviews primarily with NGO respondents involved in providing assistance and welfare services across the country. The information captured from individual observations and experiences was significant and consistent across the respondents. Although largely anecdotal, the findings also shed light on the obstacles faced by government social service workers, many of whom were reassigned to services and sectors deemed critical at the onset of the pandemic, for example, food assistance. Respondents were concerned that ‘shifted priorities’ may have inadvertently eclipsed the importance of child protection in a time of crisis.

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In general, social service workers did not witness a significant increase in child protection cases during the initial lockdown phase although a handful of NGOs did record increases in cases of child abuse.  Respondents stated that cases were less likely to come to the attention of social service workers due to mobility restrictions, lack of knowledge on reporting, social stigma or even ‘getting stuck at home with the abuser makes it impossible to lodge a report’.

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Longstanding divides surfaced and socioeconomic disparities deepened with the pandemic. The economic shock that came on the already vulnerable communities, particularly the urban poor as well as asylum-seeking and migrant families, pushed them further into destitution. Respondents were concerned that the introduction of remote learning did not benefit children across the spectrum. The study also revealed important observations about how COVID-19 restrictions impacted children living with disabilities. Children with disabilities faced a unique set of challenges and were particularly affected by the abrupt disruption to their routines. Online lessons were especially challenging and while some remained in schools, those who returned to their families required undivided attention from their parents who were working from home. This resulted in increased tension and anxiety. 

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There was general consensus among respondents that no one was quite prepared for what happened. However, the spontaneous resourcefulness and spirit of innovation among service providers to ensure the continuity of services while under strict lockdown restrictions was repeatedly highlighted. Online service provision and programming using multimedia platforms became the norm, although there were reservations about its effectiveness in social service work. 

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Although the subsequent easing of restrictions allowed some leeway to proceed with service provision, the situation has yet to return to pre-pandemic working conditions. The key recommendation drawn from the interviews conducted is that child protection must remain a priority in parallel with other considerations in any public health crisis. The study also highlighted the need to increase investment in social services, including for mental health support for both communities and service provider staff.  Strengthening government – civil society partnerships to support meaningful collaboration and effective service provision is fundamental.

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