With a "family-centric" perspective, we are committed to delivering quality and professional social services to enhance the wellbeing of families and individuals in Hong Kong and foster a caring community.
To actualise this mission:
- We support the unity and nurturing functions of families
- We respect the rights, dignity and potential of individuals
- We uphold the principle of confidentiality
- We empower families and individuals to overcome challenges
- We adopt an integrated approach to provide a wide range of social services by competent and committed staff
- We strive to enhance service effectiveness through staff development and research
- We pioneer service projects to meet the changing needs of Hong Kong society
- We advocate a comprehensive public policy for families
Our Past, Present and Future
Upholding Mission and Adopting New Approach to Meet Ever-changing Needs
Hong Kong Family Welfare Society (HKFWS), known originally as the Social Service Centre of the Churches when established in 1938, became an independent non-governmental organisation in 1949 with the initiation of the Rt. Rev. R. O. Hall and the expert assistance of Miss Katherine Scott-Moncrieff, a well-known social worker from the United Kingdom.
In the 1970s, we pioneered Family Life Education, set up Clinical Psychological Service and Home Help Service, and piloted School Social Work Service and Foster Care Service. Since 1980s, we have initiated a variety of evidence-based experimental services including the Mental Health Group, “Drop-in” for Isolated Families, multiple support for Single Parents, Therapeutic Groups for Abusive Families, and Emergency Foster Care, etc.
In the 1990s, the Society developed Family Mediation Service, Service for New Arrivals, and a Family Retreat Centre to support families. In 2004, we set up Integrated Family Service Centres (IFSCs) and have six IFSCs at present to provide accessible one-stop services and develop a variety of services to support families.
The Society has been addressing to the needs of divorced families to develop Family Resource Centre, the Family Mediation Service and “A Beam of Hope - Pilot Project on ’Child-focused’ Parenting Coordination and Co-parenting Services for Divorced Families”. In 2016, the Society was commissioned by Social Welfare Department to launch the Pilot Project on Children Contact Service to support divorced couples and their children to initiate and maintain communications. In 2019, we have successfully completed the “Pilot Project on Children Contact Service” and received regular funding support to run the “Parent-child Connect Specialised Co-parenting Support Centre” to provide one-stop co-parenting and parent-child contact services.
Apart from School Social Work Service, the Society also set up an Integrated Children and Youth Service Centre in 1999, piloted Net Education services, introduced Peer Mediation in primary and secondary schools to foster a harmonious school environment. The Society has also developed different service packages for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) with the aim to enable them to integrate in school life and actualise their potentials. In 2017, the Society has expanded financial education service for youth and their parents, set up a Financial Education Centre and launched the “S-QUBE Youth Financial Empowerment Project”.
The Society has been piloting run the kindergarten social work service since 2011 to provide early intervention to children and families, and strengthen family functioning. The Social Welfare Department launched a "Pilot Scheme on Social Work Service for Pre-primary Institutions" (Phase 1 to Phase 3) start from 2019. In 2023, we officially launched on-site social work service for kindergartens. Our Tuen Mun (East) Service Centre, Kwun Tong Service Centre, and Kwai Tsing Service Centre were established successively. In 2024 - 2025, our Society provided stationing kindergarten social work service to a total of 62 kindergartens.
Facing the rapidly ageing population in Hong Kong, the Society has reformed our home-based service model to a spectrum of comprehensive elderly and community support services, including pain control and rehabilitation education. We set up health care centres on outlying islands and in the town to provide flexible day care and rehabilitation programmes for the frail elders. The Society also provides psychosocial services for the elderly and their carers, supporting their needs in areas such as mental health and end-of-life care.
With the dedication to enhancing family wellbeing, HKFWS has been conducting “Hong Kong Family Wellbeing Index” study (HKFWI) since 2019, aiming to develop a socially relevant and culturally appropriate measurement tool of sound reliability and validity to regularly assess the wellbeing of Hong Kong families. Through this territory-wide survey, we regularly assess the wellbeing levels of families in Hong Kong. By 2024, we have published three reports, providing important references for Hong Kong families, the government, and various stakeholders in promoting family wellbeing. Besides, we actively engage in multiple platforms to promote the concept of family wellbeing. With continuously collaboration with different sectors, as well as organising and participating in activities and campaigns, we aim to raise public awareness and appreciation on this important matter.
Time flies, the Society celebrated its significant milestone - the 75th anniversary. Based on our “family-centric” perspective, our staff have been dedicated to actualising our mission in serving families and the community with love and passion. We will continue to enhance our service quality and innovate services to meet the changing needs and promote the wellbeing of families and the Hong Kong community.
