Our History

Established in 1902, CAS is amongst Singapore’s oldest secular philanthropic organisations.

Back in the 1900s, CAS was caring for latchkey and homeless children requiring food and shelter. As societal needs changed, our focus shifted to helping children and youths who have gone through adverse life circumstances such as abuse or neglect.

Children’s Aid Society

Over The Years

1880s: The start of CAS
With a heritage tracing back to the era of British colonial rule, CAS is among the oldest philanthropic organisations in Singapore. The organisation was originally established in the late 1800s as St Nicholas Home to care for needy children in Singapore. It was later known as Children’s Aid Society in 1902, through the efforts of a group of civic-minded men and women from the British colonial government, major European companies, and religious organisations.

These included the Society’s first president, Hon. W.R. Collyer (Attorney General of the Straits Settlements), Sir Cecil Clementi (Governor of Singapore, 1930-1934), and Sir Thomas Shenton (Governor of Singapore, 1934-1942).
1930s: The origins of Melrose Home
CAS 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
After Singapore’s independence, CAS evolved and adapted to a more local environment, with local Singaporeans taking the place of European matrons who retired. The high cost of maintaining the old Tomlinson bungalow and the need for a bigger boarding house led to the purchase of a property, set along a hillock along Clementi Road.
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 the first Singaporean chairman of CAS, 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, CAS 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, youths 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, youths 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 CAS' 120th year, marking the start of a new chapter as we look ahead to the future.
1880s: The start of CAS
1930s: The origins of Melrose Home
1960s: The need for a new space
1969: The First Lady’s visit
1970s: The shift to Clementi
2000s: Reaching the 100th-year mark
2013: Melrose Home doubled its capacity
2019: Setting up of Melrose Care
2019: Melrose Home moved to Boon Lay
2022: Beyond 120