Incarceration affects more than just the inmates. Often, their families lose breadwinners and parental figures, so their children become susceptible to poverty, poor academic performance, and erratic behaviour.
Studies have found that children from these families are more likely to commit crimes, a phenomenon known as intergenerational offending. Growing up in an environment without positive role models can potentially increase their chances of engaging in similar behaviours. As the chairman of the NeuGen Fund, a charity that empowers children and families of reformed offenders, Joshua Tay provides strategic direction in empowering inmates and ex-offenders’ children and families to reduce intergenerational crime.
“These children may be ostracised and suffer from feelings of isolation, which can make them vulnerable.”
Joshua Tay on the impact parental incarceration has on children
Tay had the opportunity to interact closely with ex-offenders when he joined the Yellow Ribbon Bursary committee in 2016. Despite their unique journeys, he realised they had a lot in common. As an example, many grew up in difficult circumstances and had ex-offenders as parents.
He believes that timely intervention can minimise intergenerational offending. As such, NeuGen Fund provides opportunities for education, mental resilience, holistic growth, and strengthening of familial bonds, among other things through tuition sponsorships, counselling and mentoring services, workshops, and donations of essential goods. These efforts combine multiple collaborations with different partners.
Among its outreach activities are lessons provided by tuition centres across the island and after-school activities by music schools, football academies, and art centres.
The charity currently has eight full-time staff, including case management specialists. Over 90 percent of the case-managed children have stayed clear of offending behaviour, and many have improved their grades after receiving tutoring.
Tay was particularly inspired by one boy they helped. The son of an ex-offender, he lives with five of his family members, including an autistic adult, in a rented tworoom flat. “He showed incredible resilience and maturity despite his challenging circumstances, and was even named head prefect in school.”
Although NeuGen Fund supports close to 1,300 beneficiaries every year, it would be most effective if society as a whole gets involved as well. As things stand, the suffering of the inmates’ children and other family members is often invisible. To lend a hand, Tay says, we need to show these children kindness, make sure they have equal opportunities, and extend help in other ways to them.
The non-profit relies heavily on the help of volunteers, many of whom take on roles such as family befrienders and mentors. Tay’s plans include broadening outreach and working with the Singapore Prison Service and the Ministry of Social and Family Development to support inmates’ families.
“Together, we can make a greater impact and offer hope to those who need it most.”
Art director: Ed Harland
Videographer: Alicia Chong
Photographer: Mun Kong
Photographer’s assistant: Hizuan Zailani
Hair: Michael Chiew
Makeup: Pris and Dorcas, AASTRAL Beauty
