Overview
- MSF officially launched the SAFER (Sensemaking Alerts for Frontline Engagement and Response) unit on Tuesday, Sept 22, 2026 as a new centre to detect child‑protection concerns earlier.
- In its first two months of operation SAFER analysed linked datasets and surfaced about 600 cases, of which 70 were escalated to the ministry’s Protective Service or local case managers for further review.
- SAFER currently focuses on children under seven and combines records from the police, the Central Narcotics Bureau, the Early Childhood Development Agency and MSF helplines to flag recent stressors such as arrests, preschool withdrawal or reports of harm.
- Alerts are generated by a risk algorithm but are always reviewed by trained professionals who check case facts, consult existing managers and follow protocols that target a three‑working‑day screening window or immediate emergency response when safety is urgent.
- The unit is part of a package of reforms prompted by the 2020 death of Megan Khung; MSF says many panel recommendations are in place but full resourcing and wider rollout of SAFER functions are scheduled for completion in 2027.