Programme that provides free marriage and family counselling expands to 11 centres
The Strengthening Families Programme@Family Service Centre (FAM@FSC), which provides free marriage, divorce and family counselling services, opened its newest centre in April.
It is run by PPIS, a non-profit group focused on community service which converted its As-Salaam Family Support Centre - which specialised in providing support services for divorcing and divorced couples and their children - to FAM@FSC (PPIS).
PPIS is the first Malay/Muslim organisation appointed by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to run such a centre.
The number of cases handled by FAM@FSC centres rose from 9,000 in 2023 to 12,000 in 2024, an MSF spokeswoman told The Straits Times. The ministry funds the centres.
One reason for the increase is the expansion of the mandatory co-parenting programme, which helps parents to prioritise their children's well-being, such as working out co-parenting arrangements after a divorce.
Since July 1, 2024, all divorcing couples with children under 21 have had to attend the programme. They would not have had to do so prior to that if they filed for a divorce on the simplified track.
The simplified divorce track refers to cases where both parties agree on all issues related to the divorce and ancillary matters, such as child custody and maintenance.
The MSF spokeswoman said the 11 FAM@FSCs are located across Singapore, ensuring "greater accessibility for families seeking support".
Other social service agencies running such centres include Fei Yue Community Services, Care Corner Singapore and Allkin Singapore.
The spokeswoman added: "There are currently no plans to set up more FAM@FSC centres."
The new PPIS centre, which is located in Chai Chee, will serve people of all races and religions.
It will help families facing marital difficulties, parenting struggles, caregiving issues and other family-related woes, centre manager Marjianah Abu Bakar said.
She added: "Some of the common marital issues are: They are not communicating well, not seeing eye to eye, and they have lots of differences.
"Or they have been married for many years and the spark is not there. And they wonder if they should divorce or save the marriage."
Besides counselling, the centre runs programmes for children whose parents are divorcing or divorced, and support groups for divorced mothers, and children whose parents are divorced.
As the FAM@FSC services are free, this eases financial concerns for those thinking of seeking help, Ms Marjianah said.
Besides counselling, the centre also runs programmes for children whose parents are divorcing or divorced, and support groups for divorced mothers and children whose parents are divorced. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Counselling sessions offered by private counselling centres can be costly, at upwards of $120 a session, an online check on the fees showed.
Ms Liana Tohar, a 40-year-old tutor, sought help at the PPIS As-Salaam Family Support Centre in July 2024 as she was at "rock bottom" emotionally and mentally.
She is going through a divorce and her low mood also affected her only child, a 10-year-old girl.
Through counselling over a period of about six months, Ms Liana learnt to accept the end of her marriage and understand herself better.
She said of the counselling sessions: "My counsellor helped me to put things into perspective, and he supported me. I feel it's a safe space to speak my mind, as he is not going to judge me."
Her daughter also attended the Children of Divorce Intervention Programme run by the centre, for children aged between seven and 12 who may be grappling with accepting their parents' divorce.
The programme, which spans six sessions, helps children to process their thoughts and feelings about their parents' divorce and lets them know they are not alone, Ms Marjianah said.
Ms Liana's daughter told her she benefited from the programme, and she could see that her daughter is now able to share her feelings in a calmer manner.
In return, this makes it easier for Ms Liana to listen to and communicate with her daughter.
Her daughter's grades have also improved, and both are happier now.
Ms Liana added: "Everyone who needs support should reach out to a FAM@FSC. They will give you the love and support you have always needed."
The MSF spokeswoman said those facing challenges in their family relationships can go to a FAM@FSC for counselling. The list of the FAM@FSCs can be found at the MSF's Family Assist Portal.
Those who prefer to speak to a counsellor anonymously can use the online counselling service on the Family Assist portal at familyassist.msf.gov.sg
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