MSF believes that the family is the basic building block of society. A close-knit, strong and stable family provides for the care and development of its members and is self-reliant.
While most families are self-reliant in caring for and nurturing their members, there are some families who need support and assistance from the community and the government to cope with the issues and demands of daily living.
There are also some families who are beset with problems such as domestic violence and require intervention in resolving them.
MSF plays a lead role in supporting families at risk or in distress. It sets the policy and service delivery framework for helping and protecting families in dysfunction and those affected by violence. MSF also leads in its public education efforts to raise awareness of domestic violence issues.
MSF works in partnership with families and the community to promote a safe, stable and nurturing family environment for their members. MSF plays the role of the enabler, believing that families are able to help themselves and regain a suitable level of functioning when given appropriate and adequate support and assistance.
In the area of family protection, we are guided by the principle that the safety and interest of the children and individuals in the family are of paramount importance.
While we try to preserve the family unit where possible, safety issues will not be compromised. Where families are dysfunctional and unsafe for their members, alternative arrangements for the care of these individuals may need to be arranged.