Megan Khung case: Multiple lapses, shortcomings by involved agencies found by review panel

Key Concepts

Child Protection Ecosystem: The interconnected network of agencies, professionals, and processes designed to safeguard children from abuse and neglect.
Review Board/Panel: An independent body appointed to objectively assess the handling of a specific case and recommend improvements.
Role Clarity: Defining distinct responsibilities and reporting lines for different professionals and agencies within the child protection system.
Culture of Learning: Fostering an environment where lessons from past cases are shared and used to improve practices across the sector.
Well-being of Protection Practitioners: Ensuring that professionals involved in child protection work have adequate support, resources, and a conducive work environment.
Safeguards: Specific measures and protocols implemented to prevent child abuse and ensure timely intervention.
Triage Decisions: Initial assessments and decisions made about the urgency and appropriate response to a reported child protection concern.

Independent Review of Megan's Case and Strengthening the Child Protection Ecosystem

This summary details the findings and recommendations of an independent review board appointed to examine the handling of "Megan's case." The review was initiated in May of the current year, following individual reviews by various agencies in 2020. The objective was to conduct a more comprehensive assessment, incorporating information that emerged during and after the sentencing of Megan's mother and boyfriend in 2025, to further strengthen the child protection ecosystem.

Acceptance of Findings and Acknowledgement of Shortcomings

All agencies involved in Megan's case, including Beyond Social Services, Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), Child Protective Service (CPS), Hearts at Fier, and the Singapore Police Force (SPF), have fully accepted the review panel's findings. On behalf of the National Child Protection System, a deep regret for the outcome and an acknowledgement that "more could have been done" were expressed. The sentiment that "every child is precious and each loss is felt deeply" was conveyed.

Review Panel's Acknowledgement of Existing Efforts

The review panel recognized that since 2020, significant efforts have been made to enhance the child protection ecosystem and its processes. Lessons learned from past cases, including Megan's, have been instrumental in improving coordination, capability, and vigilance across the sector.

Seven Recommendations for Ecosystem Enhancement

The review panel's seven recommendations are designed to build upon existing improvements and further strengthen the child protection ecosystem.

Greater Role Clarity Amongst Professionals:
- Key Point: The panel proposes a clearer distinction between social service agencies that encounter instances of child abuse and those that are child protection case management agencies (e.g., family service centers, child protection specialist centers).
- Specific Detail: The line of reporting for preschools is recommended to be simplified, allowing them to report directly to the national anti-violence and sexual harassment helpline instead of through ECDA.
More Robust Ecosystem for a Strong Culture of Learning:
- Key Point: The panel acknowledges that reasonable differences in assessments can occur even among professionals.
- Methodology: A process for reviewing triage decisions by an independent third party is proposed.
- Framework: Lessons learned from cases should be shared sector-wide, not just between the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the involved agency, to facilitate collective learning.
More Structured Support for the Well-being of Protection Practitioners:
- Key Point: Beyond equipping professionals with knowledge, the panel emphasizes the importance of a safe, conducive, and supportive work environment.
- Argument: Such an environment is crucial for practitioners to make sound judgment calls at the right time.
- Action: Employers are responsible for fostering this environment. MSF will explore how to support social service agencies with child protection case management functions.

MSF's Commitment to Implementation

MSF accepts all recommendations and will study their expeditious implementation after consulting with the sector. Further details are expected in the coming weeks and months. The ministry is confident that these recommendations will lead to a stronger, continuously learning, and improving child protection ecosystem. The commitment to preventing tragedies and protecting every child in care remains paramount, acknowledging that the risk of losing a child cannot be completely eliminated.

Support for Social Service Professionals

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the dedication and challenges faced by social service professionals.

Argument: These professionals are deeply affected when their clients suffer harm due to their strong sense of responsibility.
Evidence: The speaker consistently inquires about the well-being of staff after a child or client's death.
Perspective: Child protection work is acknowledged as difficult, yet professionals choose it due to their belief that "every child deserves to be safe." They persevere despite navigating complex human relationships, client behaviors, and potential concealment of information.
Call to Action: Society is urged to recognize and appreciate protection officers, supporting them even when cases are not successful, as they stand on the front lines doing good work.

Inter-Agency Commitments and Safeguards

MSF: Will continue to engage and partner with professionals, social service agencies, and preschools to strengthen the child protection ecosystem with public support. Internal systems will be strengthened, and inter-agency communication will be improved.
Singapore Police Force (SPF): Expressed sadness over Megan's loss and accepted the review panel's findings. The investigation officer and supervisor involved in the first police report have been disciplined internally. SPF has established processes to ensure reports receive appropriate attention and prompt follow-up based on case facts.
Beyond Social Services: Accepted the panel's findings, acknowledging that their incident report should have been more timely and complete, expressing deep apologies. They recognize the hard lessons learned and the weight of knowing they "should have done better."
- Current Safeguards:
  1. Staff are required to keep detailed records of all concerns and follow-ups.
  2. Alarms are raised and cases escalated if a child is unaccounted for or unseen for two days.
  3. For higher-risk situations, specialist child protection agencies are activated, and close collaboration ensues.
- Commitment: As President of Beyond Social Services, there is a commitment to continue working with MSF, CPS, SPF, ECDA, and Hearts at Fier to implement these and further safeguards. For over 55 years, Beyond Social Services has supported vulnerable families, and they remain accountable, committed to strengthening practices so that "every child safety always comes first."
Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA): Acknowledges the review panel's findings and appreciates the thoroughness of the review. They recognize child protection as a complex area requiring continuous learning, strong systems, and collaboration. ECDA takes the recommendations seriously and will continue to strengthen its practices and work closely with families and partners.

Conclusion

The comprehensive review of Megan's case has led to a series of recommendations aimed at significantly strengthening Singapore's child protection ecosystem. While acknowledging past shortcomings and expressing deep regret, the involved agencies have demonstrated a commitment to learning from this tragedy. The focus is on enhancing role clarity, fostering a culture of learning, providing better support for practitioners, and implementing robust safeguards. The overarching goal is to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety and well-being of every child.