The Social Standards Authority (SCSA) continued to strengthen its operation and services in order to give more structure and a regulatory framework when it comes to the licensing of residences that take care of vulnerable people. This is being done through more investment in the human resource, engagement of more professionals, training and even renewal in the digital appearance. In fact, during this year, a collective agreement also came into force which improved the working conditions of the employees, their wages, and their benefits among others.
Work was also carried out in the Central Authority to help move forward applications related to adoptions of both local and foreign children.
These details were announced during a conference during which an account of the SCSA’s annual report for the year 2023 was given.
The Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon, spoke about the importance of the work of the authority that verifies applications for licenses for social assistance services. This while it is responsible for granting, refusing, suspending or revoking a license to operate a social assistance service according to established criteria.
Chief Executive of the SCSA, Ruth Sciberras spoke about the role of the Central Authority when it comes to adoptions and explained that currently Bulgaria, Slovakia and Portugal are the countries from which the most adoptions are made to Malta. Other countries that the authority is working with are India, Colombia, Poland and Vietnam.
The authority also helps in abduction situations to the extent that they represent people who need legal help in court due to these types of cases. Currently the authority is assisting in more than 60 cases that merit court action which also include cases involving maintenance and access.
