Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap: Sir, MSF had launched the ComLink initiative in 2019, which aims to provide comprehensive, convenient and coordinated support to empower families with children living in rental housing through a proactive outreach and closer case support. I understand that, under ComLink, the Social Service Office (SSO) for each town leads a team consisting of Government agencies, corporates and community partners.
I note, Sir, that a good interpersonal relationship between the beneficiary and the caseworker is a pertinent factor behind the success of such programmes. In this regard, I would like to better understand ComLink and request that MSF provide details on how beneficiaries are engaged and managed. For example, is each family assigned with one case worker? Is there any minimum number of engagement session requirement for each family in a month? And can MSF also share the ratio of beneficiary to a case worker?
On a related note, Sir, I believe it is also important that the beneficiary is fully involved and committed. However, many low-income workers are engaged in jobs that involve irregular hours, such as daily- or hourly-rated work or food delivery. Also time spent on programmes, interviews and counselling is time not spent working. This means lost income. I propose providing such individuals with a make-up allowance so as not to deter them from participating in such programmes towards their long-term benefit.
Finally, Sir, can I confirm that the ComLink for Bedok covers the rental blocks in the Kaki Bukit ward of Aljunied GRC?
Ministry of Social and Family Development
9 March 2022
https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/sprs3topic?reportid=budget-1893
Office of the Leader of the Opposition 