Overview of the Criminal Justice Social Work Chapter:

A group of social workers from various organisations in the criminal justice sector first came together on 17 September 2018 to discuss the challenges they faced on the ground and their hopes for the profession. Almost exactly two years later, on 18 September 2020, the group achieved full Chapter status at the SASW AGM 2020.

The Chapter carries forward the vision of the late Mr K. V. Veloo, a pioneer of social work in Singapore, who once said: “The social work group in correctional settings, both institutional and community based, has grown in strength. SASW should not delay in setting up a chapter for social workers in correctional settings. We need to continue to make bold inroads into the penal system and drug rehabilitation centres.”

Objectives of the Chapter:

  • Promote Criminal Justice Social Work (CJSW) through different platforms, in response to the changing criminal justice landscape
  • Create opportunities for learning and encouraging collaboration within and beyond the Criminal Justice Sector to further CJSW Practice
  • Champion effective practices within CJSW

Committee Members (2025-2027): 

Chairperson: Roger Tan Boon Meng
Vice-Chairperson: Rafidah Bte Mohamed Ayob
Advisor: Troy Jack Thevathasan Advisor
Secretary: Aaron Scott Donovan
Treasurer: Er Meiyi
Members: Ong Chee Khoon Chavez | Alvin Tan Wai Hong | Nurhafidzah Bte Md Kamal | Goh Boon Siong | Tian Ching Ching | Wong Liling | Joseph Chan | Benny Thiam | Muhammad Kashari Kassim | Raudah Bte Abdul Rashid | Michelle Vong | Joanne Fu (as of March 2026)

If you are keen to become a member or friend of the chapter, please email to SWchapters@sasw.org.sg.