​The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) announced today (October 9) the launch of the Maintenance Mediation Pilot Scheme through the Community Care Fund to subsidise a non-governmental organisation in providing mediation services on maintenance to people in need who are eligible for the Pilot Scheme (including maintenance payers and payees), to provide an alternative way for parties concerned other than court proceedings.
      
     The Government is committed to improving the effectiveness of the system for collecting maintenance payments and enforcing maintenance orders. In this regard, the Chief Executive announced in his 2023 Policy Address the launch of the Pilot Scheme to assist the parties concerned to resolve disputes on the related matters through a more time-saving way, which is mediation.
      
     The three-year Pilot Scheme is expected to process a total of 1 200 cases, benefitting 2 400 separating or divorcing persons. Parties involved in maintenance payment disputes are eligible to apply for the Pilot Scheme free of charge, provided that one of the parties (applicant) is a Hong Kong resident and meets the income limit. This can encourage maintenance payers in default of payment to engage in mediation.
      
     Based on Hong Kong Family Welfare Society (HKFWS)'s extensive experience and well-established network in relation to the relevant mediation services and publicity work, the HYAB has appointed HKFWS as the service operator of the Pilot Scheme.
      
     Persons interested in participating the Pilot Scheme can visit the dedicated webpage (www.familyandwomen.gov.hk/en/story/2024091920185069798.html), or contact HKFWS at 2561 9229.

Ends/Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Issued at HKT 11:30

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