A Care and Protection Order (CPO) is an order passed by the Youth Court to protect children and young persons below 18 years old who are in need of care or protection. MSF Protective Service (PSV)* is guided by Section 5 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1993 on the grounds for an application of a CPO.

Under a CPO, a Child or Young Person (CYP) can be ordered by the Court to be admitted to a Children's Home (CH), placed into the care of a fit person, placed under supervision of a child protection officer, approved welfare officer, or a court-appointed person for a period of time. Singapore Courts provides an explanation of the CPO.

PSV may also work with families without a court order (i.e. CPO). In cases where the CYP cannot remain safe at home, PSV may also obtain the consent of parents through a Voluntary Care Agreement (VCA) to place the CYP in alternative care, e.g. under kinship carer, CHs or foster care. However, placing a CYP in alternative care will only be used as a last resort.

*In May 2025, the Adult Protective Service and Child Protective Service have been merged to form Protective Service.