The Reformative Training (RT) regime was first established in 1957, modelled after the Borstal System in the United Kingdom.

In April 2024, Youth Guidance Outreach Services (YGOS), together with REACH Community Services, formed a consortium and was appointed by the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) to manage the Reformative Training Centre (RTC).

The objective of reformative training is to provide rehabilitation and reintegration into society. It helps them reflect on their behaviour, build responsible lifestyles, and develop skills through tailored programmes.

The youths go through the institution training and treatment (residential phase), followed by determining their suitability for release under a supervision order (community supervision phase) or release for supervision (ROS).

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If you are interested in volunteering with us in this meaningful work, please email Clarice at volunteer@ygos.org.sg 

What is reformative training, and why is it used in wide range of cases in Singapore?

SINGAPORE — Recent cases of young offenders being sentenced to reformative training for crimes ranging from rape to selling e-cigarettes have led some to wonder why such varied offenses can fall under this rehabilitative regime.

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On Monday (Jan 22), a 19-year-old, who was 16 when he raped a 14-year-old schoolmate, was given such a sentence for a minimum of one year. 

Then, on Tuesday, an 18-year-old who advertised the sexual services of two underage girls on Telegram was sentenced to at least six months of reformative training.

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And then on Friday, a teenager who helped sell electronic cigarettes to his friends, among other offenses such as rioting, was sentenced to a minimum of 12 months’ reformative training.

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In light of these cases, some have also wondered what is the difference between this regime and a normal jail term, and what kind of offenders are eligible for the regime.