Prime Minister Robert Abela visited a residence for children and youth managed by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services in Attard.
Together with the Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon and the FSWS Chief Executive Alfred Grixti, the Prime Minister acknowledged the FSWS’s ongoing commitment to implementing a care model built on the personal needs of the residents.
Six children and youth live in this home. The Prime Minister noted the investment by the FSWS to offer this type of personalised care, which last year exceeded €560,000. He pointed out that social investment also means that children and young people with different challenges reach the fullness of their lives with social support in a dignified and beautiful environment.
The management of this home explained that a lot of investment is made with these children in education and health as well as professional work that improves the quality of life of these children. Dr Abela pointed out that every child deserves the best in our society and thanked the sense of empathy and dedicated work carried out by the professionals and workers of the FSWS who offer a beautiful life to these children.
In this home, many children and young people spoke to Prime Minister Robert Abela about their experiences in their lives. Dr Abela noted that such homes provide a positive experience. It was explained by the management of this home that small residences with holistic care replace large institutions and this is beneficial for children who are not institutionalized. From these homes there were success stories of children who continued their educational journey and even took up good job opportunities.
In the last ten years, FSWS has opened ten new community homes and two additional buildings dedicated to aftercare. It was explained that the investment in these facilities is yielding the necessary results, including in the reduction of absenteeism rates in schools and in the protection of mental health. During the meeting with the residents and workers of this home, the Prime Minister reiterated the Government’s willingness to support and invest in personalized care for children and youth with the aim of their success in society. Photo: OPM
