€1 million in EU funds will be given to  Corradino Correctional Facility correctional programmes for inmates, focusing on employment in order to integrate former inmates back into society.

Minster of home affairs and national security Michael Farrugia, and Parliamentary Secretary of EU Funds and social dialogue Aaron Farrugia, introduced the initiative at a press conference this afternoon.

The programmes will involve 120 professionals and a minimum of 77 inmates. The commencement of these programmes, the ministry announced, will happen imminently in the coming weeks.

The focus of the programmes will be to effectively integrate former inmates into society. The second focus is educational, both formally and vocationally, by allowing them to earn qualifications giving them a chance to work. Health will be another aspect tackled, through both physical and mental programmes in the form of, for example, anger management.

Focus will also be on the relationships between inmates and their families.

When asked by this newsroom how these programmes will incorporate families; Parliamentary Secretary Farrugia explained that before, families tended to be sidelined, but said that they have a big role to play in the rehabilitation process of inmates.

Minister Farrugia said that there is tendency for the families not to be finically stable, and so the programme will also aid in such issues.

The minister elaborated on the importance of aiding inmates in receiving qualifications. Programmes related to participation in the community will also be a focus.