ANNUAL REPORT 2010 / 2011 - MINDS

ehaviour at home. Support was given to the families during the
clients’ follow-up with psychiatrist on psychopharmacological
interventions.
Community Involvement Programmes
The TDCs were actively involved in many projects and activities with
mainstream schools as well as corporate organisations. Some of
these groups: Energy Market Company, Standard Chartered Bank,
Church of Christ the King (SCC Zone 100), Young Men’s Christian
Association, United World College, Jurong Junior College (Interact
Club) and St Joseph Institute International School, volunteered
regularly and engaged in the clients’ recreational activities and
community mobility programmes. Programmes with such
collaborations enhanced the clients’ social interaction, motivation
and self-esteem, especially when parental involvements were
included.
participated in sports events organised by MINDS and external
agencies. The clients bagged medals and awards in the Special
Olympics Track & Field event, SDSC Track & Field Championship
and MINDS Sports 2010.
Attachment and Placement into the Employment Development
Centres (EDCs)
The TDCs constantly identified and trained clients with the
potential and interests to receive pre-vocational skills training so
that they could progress to the EDCs. 2 ATDC clients passed their
attachment programme at WEDC and were transferred there in
February 2011.
Case Management System
To ensure quality service delivery, case review meetings were
held monthly, with the head of centre, training offices and allied
health professionals. During the meetings, intervention plans and
outcomes were discussed to monitor the progress of our clients.
Programme with Families
After the launch of the Caregivers’ Support Group TDC Chapter in
2009, the Social Workers organized several workshops to promote
self-care and foster bonding and support between caregivers
across all 3 TDCs. 22 caregivers participated in the ‘Caregivers’
Carefree Day’ which included a series of farm tours and 8 parents
attended the “Caregivers First” workshop which included an art
and dance therapy session.
A camp titled “A Fun-filled Day for Siblings and Students” was
organised by MINDS social workers on 5 June 2010 for siblings
of clients between the age of 7 to 12. 4 TDC young siblings
participated along with siblings from other MINDS’ schools and
centres. The theme “I Am Special” focused on encouraging siblings
to see themselves as special individuals with their own strengths
and aspirations. The first segment consisted of exciting games for
the siblings as well as reflections and sharing session. The parents
and TDC clients then joined in the second segment, which included
a parents’ discussion session, an art and craft session between
students and siblings, and a family telematch. The day concluded
with a dinner and prize-giving ceremony, with siblings and families
going home with prizes and goodies!
Staff Development and Training
The TDCs’ commitment to providing quality training programmes
to staff throughout the year. Key courses attended by staff include:
• Diploma in Disability Studies
• Basic Approaches to the Management & Training of Adults
with ASD
• Positive Behaviour Support
• Active Support
• Strategies in Managing Challenging Behaviour
• The Spark of Life Approach Series
• The 1st Asia Pacific Conference & Meeting on Mental Health
• MINDS School Curriculum Briefing
• WSQ Advance Certificate in Community and Social Service
• Standard First Aid Course
FY 2011/12 WORKPLAN
• To conduct caregivers’ satisfaction survey so as to solicit
caregivers’ feedback and concerns which can be used to
improve our services
• To conduct at least two caregivers’ events in the year, with the
aim to provide support for caregivers and to enhance family
relationships
• To identify suitable training courses for caregivers and to
encourage active participation
• To work with NCSS on the site selection, funding, and
preparation work to set up the 4th TDC
• To adopt a person-centered approach to help improve or at
least maintain the clients’ functional levels and promote good
quality of life
• To recruit volunteers and professionals to form an active
support base to conduct creative and stimulating activities
and programmes
• To collaborate with CDU and tap on their resources for staff
training and development needs
• Plan staff trainings according to their learning and development
roadmap.
The psychologist worked closely with the families to identify clients’
needs, provide recommendations on behavioural management and
follow through on implementing strategies to address challenging
MINDS ANNUAL REPORT 2010 / 2011 25