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Enhanced STEP-UP

Topic(s): Rehabilitation

What is Enhanced STEP-UP (ESU)?

ESU is a 12-month support programme provided by the Integrated Service Providers (ISPs), targeted at students with chronic absenteeism.

The objective of ESU is to provide holistic case management services to students with chronic absenteeism so that they are supported to remain in school or be meaningfully engaged.


Referral Criteria

To be eligible for ESU, the child/youth must be:


  • a Singapore citizen/PR below 21 years old
  • a student in an approved learning institute*with an absenteeism rate of 20% or more
  • Not in MOE's GEAR-UP Programme, other MSF-funded programmes or under a Court Order

*The learning institute is an MOE school, including autonomous schools, independent schools, specialised schools and ITEs.

How can I refer a child/youth for ESU?

I am a school personnel

  • Schools should refer students to the ISP region which the school is situated in. In instances where the student has been absent for an extended period, schools may consider referring the student to the ISP that is closer to the student’s residence. This is in consideration that the ISP caseworker would need to conduct more outreach such as home visits.
  • Schools can refer students for ESU, and inform the parent/caregiver about the ESU referral. Schools should schedule an Introductory Meeting (IM) involving the school liaison officer, student, parent/caregiver and ISP caseworker. At the IM, the school and ISP caseworker can jointly share on ESU and address any questions the student or parent may have. Parental consent is obtained before proceeding with the programme.

I am from a community agency (e.g, family service centre, voluntary welfare organisation) staff

Community agencies who come across suitable cases for ESU should verify with the child’s/youth’s school on their status. If the child/youth is still in school, the community agency should contact the school to consider referring the child/youth for ESU. If the child/youth is de-registered from school, the community agency can seek parental consent and refer the child/youth. The community agency should then arrange for an Introductory Meeting involving the ISP caseworker, youth and parent/caregiver.


I am a parent / legal guardian

If your child/ward is still registered in a school, please contact his/her school to make a referral to an ISP. If he/she is de-registered from school, you may contact the ISPs closest to your residence for further enquiries.