Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Alert

Government officials will NEVER ask you to transfer money, disclose Singpass credentials or bank log-in details through unofficial channel. If unsure, call the 24/7 Scamshield Helpline at 1799 or visit ScamShield Website (opens in new tab) for more details.


Singapore Prison Service (SPS)

Resources for Families

Learn about how you can support your families through their incarceration and support their rehabilitation journey.

Last updated on 8 October 2026
Photo from the backview of an inmate and his family member sitting side-by-side with their arms over the shoulders during a family visit programme in SPS.

Supporting families through incarceration; Supporting your loved ones’ rehabilitation

Singapore Prison Service (SPS) recognises that the incarceration of a loved one can be a difficult period for you and your family. Support and resources are available to help families during this period and throughout their loved one’s rehabilitation journey.

The Letter of Notification includes information on relevant community resources that families may approach for support. You may also approach the Family Resource Centre located at Prison Link Centre (Changi) to speak to a social worker.

SPS works with many community partners to support families and offenders throughout the rehabilitation journey. A family member of an inmate may request assistance for the family from partners like grassroots volunteers under the Yellow Ribbon Community Project, Family Service Centres and other social service agencies.

Family members may also be invited to participate in programmes that aim to enhance family relationships, including their incarcerated loved one. Some programmes also offer support to the children under the families care.

SPS encourages your participation as your involvement in your loved one’s rehabilitation will help to motivate them and strengthen their resolve to desist from a life of crime and return as responsible members of your families.

Family support can play an important role in an inmate's rehabilitation and reintegration journey. Their involvement can provide encouragement and help their loved ones maintain positive connections with the family as they prepare for their eventual return to the community.

The resources below share information that may be helpful towards your family or your incarcerated loved one.

Resources for Families

Here are resources, such as self-care tips and how you can maintain contact with your loved ones. A list of community resources that may be able to provide assistance is also included.

This handbook includes practical tips on what you can do to support your loved ones during incarceration and prepare for their reintegration.

SPS Publications

Red poppy on pink background with text A Woman's Journey Home and Stories of Hope & Empowerment

A Woman's Journey Home

The Singapore Prison Service worked with the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (opens in new tab) to produce ‘A Woman’s Journey Home’, a book about that focuses on the desistance journey of women offenders through narrative stories compiled from current and ex-women offenders.

Launched on 29 September 2022, the book is source of motivation for offenders who are still on their change journey.

Read the ‘A Woman’s Journey Home’ e-book here. (opens in new tab)

A cover page of SPS Publication titled "Waiting for You", featuring an illustration of two people embracing against a clear blue sky as background, highlighting a story of hope and inspiration.

Waiting For You

We often hear success stories from persons in recovery, but seldom give attention to their families who suffer devastating blows when they are dragged through cycles of substance addiction. The DRC Family Engagement Workgroup produced ‘Waiting For You’, a book that explores the subjective experiences of 22 families of DRC inmates, with interviewees conveying their hope and support for our drug offenders to stay on the path of recovery.

Read the ‘Waiting For You’ e-book here. (opens in new tab)

Homepage of the mama bear story

Where is Mama Bear?

Where is Mama Bear? is a storybook developed to support incarcerated mothers and caregivers in communicating a mother's incarceration and absence to young children in an age-appropriate, honest, and emotionally sensitive manner. The storybook uses a poetic dialogue between a Mama Bear and her Baby Bear to facilitate conversations that are often difficult to initiate and navigate. Through gentle questioning and responses, the story explores themes such as separation, reassurance, uncertainty, hope, and continued parental love. Through engaging illustrations and purposeful conversations, it seeks to support relationship between mothers and their children, strengthen maternal identity, target intergenerational offending, and improving access to community resources.

Read the Where is Mama Bear e-book here. (opens in new tab)

#Everyone's Column

#Everyone's Column is a publication featuring narratives (stories, poems and songs) from inmates, supervisees, desistors, volunteers and staff. Each issue focuses on different topics such as friends, family and gratitude. Please click on the links below to access the issues:

An illustration of two male character doing a Hi-Five.

#Everyone's Column Issue 1

Illustration of a drawn family portrait with four adults and three children.

#Everyone's Column Issue 2

Word Art of the words "Gratitude and Future Selves".

#Everyone's Column Issue 3

Illustration of two arms hugging a heart

#Everyone's Column Issue 4

Illustration of two hands forming a heart shape.

#Everyone's Column Issue 5

Illustration of two kids running along the clean grassfield, each flying their own kite.

#Everyone's Column Issue 6

Illustration of a happy family in an outdoor trip with the son sitting on the dad's shoulder, while the daughter sitting on the mom's shoulder.

#Everyone's Column Issue 7

Illustration of a backview of a guy standing on a bed of purple flowers looking out at the sea.

#Everyone's Column Issue 8

Illustration of a clear blue sky as background with the words "Journey of Change".

#Everyone's Column Issue 9A

Illustration of a clear blue sky as background with the words "Journey of Change".

#Everyone's Column Issue 9B

Illustration of two individuals reaching out to each other in this publication about rebuilding trust in relationships.

#Everyone's Column Issue 10A

Illustration of a happy family consisting of a Mum, Dad and three children, a Son and two Daughters. They are on a field of flowers and a clear blue sky. The Son is blowing bubbles.

#Everyone's Column Issue 10B

Video Resources

#1 The Art of Listening and Communication
Let's see how we can use effective communication to get through difficult times.

#2 Understanding Addiction
Gain insights on how to support your loved one to form healthier habits. Also hear from desistors on how they managed to overcome their drug triggers and cravings.
 
* Desistors are individuals who have been through similar journeys in the past.

#3 Resilience Mastery: Thriving through Life’s Challenges
Learn about mindfulness and the strategies that desistors use to overcome difficulties in their journey of recovery.

Thumbnail for Video on Resilience Mastery: Thriving through Life’s Challenges. Learn about mindfulness and the strategies that desistors use to overcome difficulties in their journey of recovery.