Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how are functions of ComLink Family Coaches differentiated from Family Service Centre social workers in supporting low-income families; and (b) what systems are in place to (i) prevent duplication, (ii) streamline referrals, and (iii) ensure coordinated case management.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The roles of family coaches from the Social Service Offices (SSOs) and case workers from Family Service Centres (FSCs) are clearly differentiated.

FSCs support vulnerable individuals and families with higher needs and risks, such as family conflict and emotional issues. For families that are also eligible for ComLink+, FSC case workers also act as family coaches, but will prioritise addressing these needs and risks before providing other support available under ComLink+. Conversely, should families supported by SSO family coaches develop higher needs and risks, they will be referred to FSCs to address both their higher needs and risks, and also progress under ComLink+.

When the families' conflicts or emotional issues have been sufficiently addressed such that they no longer require support from FSCs, they are transferred from FSCs to SSOs. There, the family coaches continue to work with them on their goals

Link to Hansard: Link