Overview of ADAP and MCA
What is the Assisted Deputyship Application Programme (ADAP)?
ADAP is a programme that supports parents or legal guardians of individuals with special needs to apply to be deputies for their children in Singapore. When parents or legal guardians are granted deputyship, they can continue to make some legal decisions on behalf of their children when they reach 21, and have been assessed to lack mental capacity.
Application of deputyship is a legal process, and the standard application process can be costly and lengthy. ADAP simplifies the process for families who meet the criteria of the programme. The combination of simplified template forms, psychologist reports and applications using simplified track in the iFAMS system reduces the cost and simplifies the application process.
What is Covered under ADAP?
As mentioned above, ADAP is a simplified application. Therefore the areas of decisions where parents/ legal guardians can be granted powers are limited. Powers may be selectively granted to applicants to have mental incapacity in the following aspects:
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1. Residency
2. Medical Consent
3. Care Services
4. Travel
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5. Government Benefits
6. Contracts
7. Manage Finances
a. Bank Accounts
b. Central Provident Fund (CPF) Account
8. Manage Significant Financial Transaction*
a. Manage Property*
b. Investment & Trust*
9. Debts & Liabilities*
10. Sue or Defend*
*Those in italics are not included in the standard powers under ADAP. Parents can apply for them as additional powers at a later date, only if or when necessary. All ADAP clients are however assessed on these aspects for future reference.
