This follows amendments to the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA) in Parliament on Monday.
The ministry's officers will now have the power to inspect the 19 Homes for Children and Young Persons, housing about 900 residents in total in Singapore, to ensure the physical premises are adequate.
MCYS will also be able to issue licenses to operators who meet the requirements.
Another section of the amendment details tougher penalties for sexual exploitation of children.
Penalties for the exploitation of children will now be lengthened from a minimum 2 years imprisonment and maximum of 4 years, to a minimum of 5 years and maximum of 7 years.
Another amendment is the introduction of Voluntary Care Agreements. The Director of Social Welfare can now have a child placed into a care arrangement without seeking approval from the Juvenile Court.
The ministry stressed such cases are voluntary and must go through the parents' consent.
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