The Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights commemorated the World Day for Social Justice, a principle that constantly informs the policy aimed at families, the young and the most vulnerable in our country.
Minister Michael Falzon visited the medical center Dar l’Impenn, one of the residences managed by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS), where works have just been completed ‘ renovation. Within this residence there is the Substance Misuse In-Patient Unit (SMIPU), which welcomes people with a strong addiction to illicit substances and even alcohol, who require medical attention and detoxification spread over a period of one week.
The SMIPU is staffed by a nurse and care worker on a 24 hour basis while other professionals from different agencies, such as social workers and therapists carry out regular individual interventions as well as in groups. The interventions at Dar l’Impenn will be the first step in the healing of the individual or the continuation of a process that has already begun.
Minister Michael Falzon said that during the last year, 195 people came to receive treatment here, and 93% went back to the community, while the rest of the other clients continued to receive treatment in some rehabilitation residence.
“Today’s visit is a testimony of our commitment to truly achieve social justice without leaving anyone alone. This year we also assisted in the largest social budget of all time, which continued to give stimulus to families, pensioners, and the most vulnerable,” stated Minister Michael Falzon.
The Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights continuously implements reforms and new measures to strengthen the country’s social framework and reduce social exclusion. In their majority these were aimed at improving the quality of life of the elderly and young, families with children, pensioners and vulnerable or disabled persons. These measures were supported by social investment that by 2023 reached the sum of €1.3 billion, an increase of almost €500 million on the expenditure of 2013.
