To expand its reach in the community, CARE Network launched the YRP and YRF in 2004, and the Yellow Ribbon Community Project (YRCP) in 2010 to reach out to families. In 2015, the Network welcomed YRF as a core member to ensure CARE Network’s objectives are better resourced, and to align YRF’s funding with national priorities to maximise impact.
In 2019, ahead of the Network’s 20th Anniversary celebrations in 2020, a comprehensive review of CARE Network was initiated to rally collective effort to reduce the 2-year and 5-year recidivism rates and chart the future direction of the Network. Over 70 partner agencies and 350 individuals were engaged. Three working groups led by core members (SACA, SANA, ISCOS and SPS) were formed to drive the review. The recommendations were consolidated into two strategic thrusts, namely: (i) advancing CARE Network capabilities and capacity, and (ii) strengthening throughcare and reintegration journey. A Digital Publication was launched in 2020, as CARE Network celebrates its 20th Anniversary, to align collective efforts with the strategic thrusts.
CARE Network Events
The first CARE Network Seminar was held in 2013. Since then, the annual event has served as a key platform for knowledge-sharing and networking among CARE Network partners.
In 2020, CARE Network kicked off its 20th Anniversary with a collaboration with Nanyang Polytechnic to produce a Drama Production “Ripples”. Held on 18 Jan, the production was graced by President Halimah Yacob as the guest-of-honour and paid tribute to the unsung heroes who made second chances possible. To close off the year, the Network organised a hybrid event themed “CN+ Together – A Network of Opportunities” to celebrate CARE Network milestone and to appreciate partners. The event was graced by Associate Professor Mohammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State for MHA and MND and saw 109 people from various agencies coming together.
In 2021, the CARE Network Summit sees the conversion of the CARE Network Workplan Seminar from a one-day physical convention to a fully virtual three-day event. With the event hosted virtually, the Network was able to reach out to more partners and new demographics in efforts to rally more individuals and organisations towards the Yellow Ribbon cause.