The circus rehabilitated one juvenile delinquent

Text Keith G Emuang

"I used to be impulsive and got easily worked up over minor incidents both in and out of  school. It was normal for me to get into fights," confesses Ernie Tan.

When he was 15-years old, Ernie characterised the typical troubled teen – aggressive, bored and defiant. Being vulnerable to the influence of bad company, he found solace in the company of other youths who had street-gang connections. He subsequently immersed himself in their insidious activities and adopted their unruly habits and mannerisms.

Not surprisingly, Ernie had very little regard for authority and thought nothing of being defiant towards his teachers. But that was merely the tip of the iceberg. Outside school, he was involved in the illegal selling of VCDs, and also shoplifted to supplement his allowance or just for the thrill of it.   

The law eventually caught up with him just after he turned 16, the same year he sat for his 'N' Levels. After his arrest, which prematurely ended his schooling days, a dark cloud of uncertainty descended over Ernie's future.

A way out
Much to Ernie's and his parents' relief, he was not charged. Instead, the police issued a stern warning and placed him under a pre-Court diversionary programme for first-time juvenile offenders who have committed minor crimes.

Launched in Oct 1997 and administered by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), the six-month Guidance Programme (GP) steers the juvenile away from the Court system, to provide an opportunity for him to make amends and resolve not to repeat his offences.

Partner agencies include the Attorney-General's Chambers, Singapore Police Force, Ministry of Education and social service agencies appointed by MCYS.

A counselling and rehabilitation programme, the GP helps juveniles recognise the seriousness of their acts and to take responsibility for them.

They are also taught life-skills such as self-control, handling of peer pressure and conflict resolution. Their parents are given guidance on acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to be more effective in the supervision of their children.

The GP also encompasses support groups for the juvenile, the parents and other family members. Other activities include recreational and community service activities, and educational trips to prisons and drug-rehabilitation centres.

Finding his goal
Under the GP, Ernie was directed to attend mandatory counselling programmes at the Tampines Family Service Centre (TFSC). Though this represented a second chance for him, he was not exactly enthusiastic about the arrangement.

"When he first came in, Ernie was not cooperative," says Philip Ang, a counsellor at TFSC. "He generally had a bad attitude towards everything. This was not surprising and besides, most juvenile delinquents initially attend the sessions for the sake of being present. They are usually very reluctant to engage at first." 

During his rehabilitation, Ernie was included in group-work and outdoor programmes at TFSC. He also learnt circus performance skills from a former social worker at the centre who was a trained juggler. 

"It captured his attention. Suddenly he was enthusiastic and focused and wanted to know as much as he could about juggling and the circus," Ang reveals.

The turning point for Ernie came when he performed for the first time on stage during a Family Day event organised by the TFSC. His act was well-received.

Ernie relates, "I felt encouraged by everyone's response and it was at that point that I thought about the direction I had taken in my life and what I could do to get back on track."

Gradually, Ernie grew passionate about the circus – and out went the persona of the disengaged, insolent and self-absorbed teen who first showed up at TFSC. He focused on learning, practising and fine-tuning his circus skills, and raised them to competition standard. In 2004, his hard work paid off when he was placed third in the World Juggling Day Competition.  

"I found my goal in life and have benefited much from the advice of counsellors, family and friends. My aim now is to get my 'O' Levels," Ernie, now 18, declares.

Although he has completed his GP, Ernie's intense passion for the circus has remained. In fact, he has not to ruled out the possibility of one day embracing the career of circus entertainer. Whatever he decides, the most important thing is that he has juggled his way out of his troubled past into what appears to be a bright future.

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