Established in 1902, we are amongst Singapore’s oldest secular philanthropic organisations.
More than a century ago, our work began with something immediate: making sure children without a safe place to go had food and shelter.
As Singapore changed, so did the challenges facing children and families. Our work evolved with them. Today, we support children and youth who have experienced adversity, including abuse, neglect and other child protection concerns.
Children’s Aid limited
Over The Years
1880s: Our beginnings
Our roots trace back to the late 1800s, when St Nicholas Home was established to care for children in Singapore who needed food and shelter.
In 1902, we became known as Children’s Aid Society, supported by civic-minded individuals from the British colonial government, European businesses and religious organisations.
In 1902, we became known as Children’s Aid Society, supported by civic-minded individuals from the British colonial government, European businesses and religious organisations.
1930s: The origins of Melrose Home
We rented a large two-storey colonial bungalow at 29 Tomlinson Road and named it Melrose Home. It was run by European matrons who tried to give the home as close as possible to a family environment, by providing warmth, care, and emotional support while seeking to instill good moral values in the children.
1960s: The need for a new space
Following Singapore’s independence, we evolved with the changing times. Local Singaporeans increasingly took on roles previously held by European matrons as they retired.
At the same time, the rising cost of maintaining the old Tomlinson Road bungalow, together with the need for a larger home, prompted us to look for a new location. A property set on a hillock along Clementi Road was eventually purchased as its new home.
At the same time, the rising cost of maintaining the old Tomlinson Road bungalow, together with the need for a larger home, prompted us to look for a new location. A property set on a hillock along Clementi Road was eventually purchased as its new home.
1969: The First Lady’s visit
On 31 October 1969, First Lady Puan Noor Aishah, wife of Singapore’s first President Yusof Ishak, officiated the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of the new Melrose Home which was to be built at 503 Clementi Road.
1970s: The shift to Clementi
In April 1970, the children and staff moved from Tomlinson Road to their beautiful new home at Clementi.
In the following year of 1971, First Lady Mrs Benjamin Sheares officially opened Melrose Home and in 1972, Mr T.S. Zain became our first Singaporean chairman, heralding a new era.
In the following year of 1971, First Lady Mrs Benjamin Sheares officially opened Melrose Home and in 1972, Mr T.S. Zain became our first Singaporean chairman, heralding a new era.
2000s: Reaching the 100th-year mark
On 17 February 2000, First Lady Mrs S.R Nathan visited Melrose Home, which was decked with Chinese New Year lanterns and a huge cherry blossom tree.
In 2002, we celebrated 100 years of caring for children and youths.
In 2002, we celebrated 100 years of caring for children and youths.
2013: Melrose Home doubled its capacity
To better meet the changing needs of the community, Melrose Home doubled its capacity to house more youths. On 26 July 2013, the Home’s extended Youth Wing was officially opened by First Lady Mrs Mary Tan, wife of President Tony Tan, and included study and recreation spaces, as well as outdoor facilities to provide a conducive living environment.
2019: Setting up of Melrose Care
In July 2019, we established our second service Melrose Care, a community-based agency that serves children, youth and their families through the provision of counselling and specialised therapies.
This initiative was in response to rising social concerns in child abuse and neglect, bullying and other emotional stresses widely affecting children, youth and their families.
This initiative was in response to rising social concerns in child abuse and neglect, bullying and other emotional stresses widely affecting children, youth and their families.
2019: Melrose Home moved to Boon Lay
On 16 December 2019, Melrose Home relocated to 35 Boon Lay Avenue to facilitate the development of Melrose Village. Melrose Home continued its efforts to adopt a trauma-informed and small group care model, improving our staff-resident ratio and training our staff to deliver trauma-informed programmes and activities.
2022: Beyond 120
We commemorated our 120th year, marking the start of a new chapter as we look ahead to the future.