The Government is continuing to strengthen its work towards the social reintegration of persons serving the last part of their prison sentence through the services offered by Dar Bla Ħitan, a community residence run by the Fondazzjoni Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl and operated through an agreement with the Ministry for the Interior and Security.
This was stated by Minister for Home Affairs and Security Glenn Bedingfield during a visit to Dar Bla Ħitan, where he met with residents, staff and the Foundation’s management to discuss the work being done towards reintegration and the support given to people who are making the transition back to the community.
Minister Glenn Bedingfield said that the agreement with the Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl Foundation is a concrete example of the Government’s commitment to continue investing in specialized services that address the needs of individuals and families facing social challenges.
“I believe that every person should be given a real opportunity to rebuild their life and find their place in society. Reintegration does not stop with release from prison, but is a process that requires support, guidance and concrete opportunities. When we invest in such services we are creating stronger, more inclusive and safer communities,” the Minister said.
He added that collaboration between the Government and civil society is crucial to giving people the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and responsibility.
The Chairperson of the Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl Foundation, George Busuttil, said that the agreement with the Ministry allows the Foundation to offer comprehensive services that address both the needs of the individual and those of the family. He also stressed the importance of supporting children and families affected by the prison experience.
During the visit, one of the residents explained how the Dar Bla Ħitan program was crucial in regaining his self-confidence. “When you have people who believe in you, you start to believe in yourself more,” the resident said.
The Coordinator for Residential Services, Dorianne Apap, explained that the Dar Bla Ħitan program is divided into four phases and includes individual and group therapy, training, employment opportunities and volunteering, so that residents can make a gradual and sustainable transition towards independent living in the community.
Dar Bla Ħitan is one of three services provided by the Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl Foundation through the agreement with the Ministry for the Interior and Security. In addition to the residence, the agreement also includes support and therapy services for families, as well as a program of specialized visits between children and their parents in a dedicated environment, with the aim of strengthening family ties and facilitating social reintegration.
For over thirty years, the Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl Foundation has been working to support individuals and families affected by the prison experience, while continuing to promote rehabilitation and social inclusion as essential elements for a stronger community.
Photos: MHS
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