The work of Caritas in rehabilitating drug abuse victims is strong – let’s make it stronger. This is how Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina summed up a visit she paid to Caritas at its San Blas Rehabilitation Centre.

At a meeting she had with clients undergoing rehabilitation programmes, Mrs Cristina said that while she appreciated the many difficulties they face in successfully finishing their rehabilitation, it appears that the main points of concern are the following: finding accommodation, facing pending Court cases with possible prison sentences, and re-

integration into society.

Introducing Minister Cristina to the drug rehabilitation community, Caritas Director Mgr Victor Grech expressed his appreciation for her visit.

Such visits, he said, reflected the interest of the government in the work that Caritas undertakes and in making this work more effective, thus benefiting society at large.

During the meeting, some clients nearing the final phase of their rehabilitation said that, on leaving San Blas, they could face a period of uncertainty due to difficulties in finding suitable accommodation, especially if they do not yet have a stable job. It was proposed that there should be a temporary shelter to cater for such people until they are employed and capable of finding adequate accommodation.

Minister Cristina invited Caritas clients to give their feedback on the National Drugs Policy which has just been published for public consultation. She stressed how important it was that drug users participated in the consultation process.

People who are awaiting court hearings expressed their concern at the fact that, after successfully completing a rehabilitation programme, they could face the possibility of prison sentences. They added that the prison environment is hardly the place to maintain the benefits of their rehabilitation.

Mrs Cristina promised her commitment to consider the needs expressed and to liaise with other ministries on other more complex issues.

Mrs Cristina was accompanied on her visit by head of secretariat Bryan Magro, and was welcomed by Mgr Grech, assistant delegate Mgr Carm Farrugia, “New Hope” Project coordinator Mariella Dimech and other Caritas officials.