Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many applications for a new Family Service Centre or a satellite Family Service Centre were rejected in each of the past ten years; (b) how many such applications were accepted; and (c) what are the top three reasons for rejecting such applications.
Answer
1 Family Service Centres (FSC) provide publicly-funded services and rely substantially on public funds to be financially viable. Hence, the creation of new main or branch FSCs are based on whether existing centres can meet the projected demand and are accessible to clients. Should a new FSC be required, MSF will approach social service agencies (SSA) with relevant experience and track record to operate the service. There is therefore no process where an SSA applies for a new FSC.