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Singapore Prison Service (SPS)

Reformative Training

Learn how SPS's support young offenders' rehabilitation journey through programmes, supervision and reintegration support from Reformative Training regime.

Last updated on 18 September 2026
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A Reformative Training (RT) sentence comprises a residential phase of up to 36 months, followed by a statutory supervision phase. The overall RT sentence may extend up to 54 months from the date of sentence.

Reformative trainees admitted to the Reformative Training Centre (RTC) will undergo the RT regime. The Court determines a minimum detention period of either 6 or 12 months as deemed appropriate for the trainee’s rehabilitation.

All RTs are encouraged to maintain good conduct, take ownership of their rehabilitation and complete the required rehabilitation programmes.

 After serving the minimum detention period and completing the required rehabilitation programmes, the RTs will be reviewed by the RTC Review Committee to determine their suitability for release under a supervision order (community supervision phase).

RT Regime
The Reformative Training (RT) regime was established in 1957 and modelled after the Borstal System in the United Kingdom with the following philosophy:

“A Reformative Training Centre should emphasize the importance of developing a programme of activities which will help young offenders to review their past behaviour and encourage the development of more responsible lifestyles in preparation for their return to community.”

In line with SPS’s vision of inspiring everyone at every chance, the RT regime adopts a rehabilitative approach that supports reformative trainees in in making positive changes and preparing for their reintegration into the community.

Based on their identified rehabilitation needs, RTs may participate in programmes such as:

  • Psychology-based correctional programmes

  • Family programmes 

  • Education programmes

  • Employability skills training 

  • Personal development programmes, depending on the rehabilitation needs identified.

Community Supervision Phase - Release on Supervision (ROS)
During the community supervision phase, also known as Release on Supervision (ROS), SPS staff are assigned to the RTs to provide interventions and guidance for their reintegration to the community. The RTs will also undergo electronic tagging.

If a RT breaches the requirement(s) of their supervision order, the RT may be recalled back to RTC to address relevant reintegration issues before being considered for community supervision again.