From Ms R. Vella Piscopo

Some points mentioned in the article “Newborn babies in detention” need to be rectified (TMIS, 30 July).

Agenzija Appogg offers its services to irregular immigrants who are identified as being in a vulnerable situation. Social work interventions are provided to irregular immigrants in order to help them meet their basic needs with dignity and respect and enhance their quality of life.

According to the National Policy, vulnerable persons include women and children, elderly people, people with disabilities, and unaccompanied minors.

Appogg works with vulnerable people referred to the agency by the detention centre and contrary to what the article refers to, the agency is not involved in the identification process of these vulnerable groups.

All the cases of vulnerable persons referred to the agency from detention centres are dealt with and there is no backlog of these cases waiting to receive social work interventions.

Rosalie Vella Piscopo

Communications Officer

Agenzija Appogg

Foundation for Social Welfare Services