Waiting Time for Admission to Shelter when Case is Reported at Family Service Centre

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Social and Family Development what is the (i) average and (ii) longest waiting time for intake into a shelter from the time a case is first opened at a Family Service Centre.

MSF does not track the time taken for a case that is opened to be referred to a shelter. The time from case opening to a decision that a client requires shelter depends on FSC’s assessment of the client’s needs, whether the client has alternative accommodation with family or friends, and the client’s availability to be seen by FSC in the first place.

Clients with urgent needs, for example, those experiencing family violence and are currently staying with the perpetrator, are prioritised for admission to a shelter. There is sufficient availability in our shelters, and clients with urgent needs are, typically, admitted to shelters on the same or next working day.