Family Support Expansion in Singapore: Free Counselling Capacity to Double by 2030

Strengthening Families Programme expands as demand for counselling continues to rise

Singapore is expanding free family counselling services as more households seek support for marital and parenting challenges.

Counselling Services to Double Capacity

Singapore’s Strengthening Families Programme (FAM) will expand its capacity to support up to 12,000 cases annually by 2030, doubling its caseload from 2025 levels.

Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli announced the expansion during the debate on his ministry’s budget on March 5.

Rising Demand for Family Support

The Ministry of Social and Family Development said the move responds to increasing demand for counselling services.

Family counselling cases handled by FAM centres rose from about 4,800 in 2023 to 5,700 in 2025.

How the Programme Supports Families

Established in 2021, the Strengthening Families Programme provides counselling for couples and families facing marital, parenting or relationship issues.

Families can access support through 11 centres across Singapore or schedule face-to-face and online sessions through the Family Assist portal.

Integrating Health and Social Support

The ministry is also piloting a social-health integration model for ComLink+ families, a programme designed to help lower-income households improve stability and mobility.

Under the model, family coaches and healthcare professionals work together to encourage healthier lifestyles and regular health screenings.

Addressing Social Mobility Challenges

The initiative comes amid concerns that social mobility in Singapore is slowing, particularly among lower-income families.

Lawmakers noted that children from lower-income households are more likely to remain in similar income brackets as adults, highlighting the need for stronger support across different life stages.

By expanding counselling services and integrating social and health support, Singapore aims to strengthen family stability and improve long-term social mobility. These initiatives reflect a broader effort to address both relationship challenges and structural inequalities that affect family well-being.

Sources: Straits Times (2026)

Keywords: Strengthening Families Programme, Masagos Zulkifli Parliament, Singapore Family Counselling Demand, ComLink Plus Families, Social Mobility Singapore