MSF’s Family Services GeoJSON provides names, addresses, postal codes, phones, emails and coordinates for Family Service Centres. The dataset is useful for an initial shortlist, but its record date and individual fields can lag current operations, so users should confirm the centre and service before travelling.
This guide is for a resident seeking information, referral, casework or family counselling support. Its purpose is to turn the official location dataset into a verified contact shortlist without assuming the closest point is current or suitable. The answer comes first because the costliest mistake is usually taking the next irreversible step before the controlling condition is known.
Filter the route before acting
- You need general family information or referral: Start with the FSC serving or nearest the area and confirm by phone.
- There is immediate danger or emergency: Use emergency services rather than waiting for a routine FSC response.
- The dataset contact does not work: Use MSF’s current directory or hotline to verify the record.
- A specialist need is already known: Ask whether direct referral to the relevant service is more appropriate.
The table is a triage tool, not a substitute for the underlying authority. It separates the reader’s situation from the action, so a general rule is not applied to the wrong person, property, business, journey or account.
Download the full GeoJSON
The web preview can be truncated. The controlling position was checked against MSF Family Services GeoJSON.
Do this: Save dataset date, download time and hash. This turns the rule into a dated record that another person can review, instead of leaving the outcome to memory or an informal message.
Use coordinates only for shortlist
Straight-line distance ignores entrances and transport.
Do this: Compare realistic travel routes. This turns the rule into a dated record that another person can review, instead of leaving the outcome to memory or an informal message.
Check address consistency
A centre name and street field can drift after moves.
Do this: Verify postal code and official website. This turns the rule into a dated record that another person can review, instead of leaving the outcome to memory or an informal message.
Call before visiting
Operating and intake arrangements can change.
Do this: Confirm hours, appointment and service scope. This turns the rule into a dated record that another person can review, instead of leaving the outcome to memory or an informal message.
Protect personal information
A first enquiry need not contain a full case history by unsecured email. The related operating detail was also checked against MSF Family Service Centres guidance.
Do this: Ask for the supported intake channel. This turns the rule into a dated record that another person can review, instead of leaving the outcome to memory or an informal message.
Match urgency
Routine casework is not emergency response.
Do this: Escalate immediate harm to the right service. This turns the rule into a dated record that another person can review, instead of leaving the outcome to memory or an informal message.
Report stale data
A failed number or moved centre reduces public value.
Do this: Send the correction to the dataset or MSF contact. This turns the rule into a dated record that another person can review, instead of leaving the outcome to memory or an informal message.
Two original tools for this decision
a fresh GeoJSON field audit covering record count, duplicate names, missing phones and update timestamps
This LBRD analysis applies each branch above to the reader’s actual role, timing and evidence. Write the facts in separate columns, mark unknowns, and do not convert an estimate into a confirmed eligibility result.
a centre-selection score combining verified contact, travel time, service fit and intake availability
Keep the source, date checked, decision owner, deadline and supporting document in the same record. The value of this tool is not the template itself; it is the visible connection between the official condition and the action taken.
Stress-test the plan
A dataset point three kilometres away may be slower to reach than a centre five kilometres away on a direct MRT or bus route. The right shortlist starts with data, then replaces straight-line distance with real travel and verified service fit.
The example is an analysis, not a promise that an authority, operator, provider or professional will reach the same result. Change one material fact at a time and re-run the decision. If the route depends on a date, amount, pass type, legal form, age, location or approved drawing, verify that field at the point of action.
Before acting
- Start with the FSC serving or nearest the area and confirm by phone.
- Use emergency services rather than waiting for a routine FSC response.
- Use MSF’s current directory or hotline to verify the record.
- Ask whether direct referral to the relevant service is more appropriate.
- Escalate immediate harm to the right service.
- Send the correction to the dataset or MSF contact.
Save the two official pages with the date checked. If an online form, price, timetable, clinic network or approval condition changes, the current official service must take priority over this explainer.
Limits and escalation
Dataset fields and centre arrangements can change. For urgent safety concerns, use emergency or crisis services rather than this directory workflow.
Where the facts are disputed or the consequence is material, pause and ask the controlling authority or an appropriately qualified professional. Keep the answer with the documents used to make the decision.
Related LBRD guides
For the next adjacent task, read 5,000 Preschoolers Bond Over Multigenerational Games at Nurture Kids Play Date. You may also need Singapore Professional Services Centre: What Businesses Can Use It For.
