From Dr K. Grech

The article that appeared in The Malta Independent on Sunday of 17 August written by Francesca Vella contains several inaccuracies that require correction and clarification. The article claims that the researcher emphasises the need for a fostering act. You may wish to note that a fostering act, Act No. XVII of 2007, entitled “An Act to make special provisions for foster care and to take consequential and other amendments” came into force on 27 July 2007. Among other things, it lays down provisions for the setting up of a Fostering Board and a Central Authority for the accreditation of fostering agencies.

Fostering has been given its due importance in Malta, both through the enduring efforts of the Fostering Unit within Agenzija Appogg over the last 10 years, and through this new legislation which creates the appropriate legal and administrative framework and support to encourage and facilitate fostering.

Moreover, the Department for Social Welfare Standards, as the designated Central Authority appointed in terms of the above-mentioned Act to regulate fostering, is also formulating national standards for out-of-home care, including foster care through a process of wide and extensive consultation with interested groups and stakeholders.

The department is aware of the conclusions drawn by Ms Farrugia in her study of the benefits of foster care and is working on the standards to ensure an adequate level of both residential and foster care for children who need looking after.

Finally, as the Central Authority in terms of the above-mentioned Act, the department evaluates applications from fostering agencies against strict criteria, as required in terms of the law, in order to accredit only those fostering agencies that can offer a quality service in the best interests of the child being fostered.

Kenneth Grech

Director

Social Welfare Standards