Following the recent dialogues being held about families/couples experiencing difficulties and the divorce issue in various local media, Aġenzija Appoġġ, in the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, would like to contribute some comments to the discussion.
Aġenzija Appoġġ, as the national agency for children and families in need, always strives to provide all the necessary support to those families who are going through difficult times. Aġenzija Appoġġ staff constantly strives to provide these families with professional care and support. The Agency safeguards and promotes the well being of these people through the development and provision of psychosocial welfare services. The Agency offers help to any family in difficulty or in crises; whether the couple is working to keep the family together, or in circumstances when they are going / have gone their separate ways, initiate separation proceedings and/or start a new family. Aġenzija Appoġġ also points out that in the light of the divorce debate, the Agency is always open to any person who needs its support, irrespective of his/her views on the issue. However, the Agency will continue to emphasise the well-being and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults as being of paramount importance in whatever decisions are taken by people and families seeking its assistance. Aġenzija Appoġġ emphasises that decisions taken by adults are to be taken, not only in their own interest, but also in the interest of minors who are affected by these same decisions.
Those seeking assistance from the Agency are and will continue to be supported in their reflections on these decisions, while receiving help from the Agency’s professionals.
Aġenzija Appoġġ offers a range of services to families in difficult situations, which include various Community Services that provide assistance to the family within its community, endeavouring to do so when the problems are still at an initial stage, thus preventing them from turning into more complex issues. Ultimately, this is done for the benefit of the children involved, and for the family as a whole. These services are currently provided in Qawra, Birkirkara, Valletta and Cottonera.
In more complex situations, Child Protection Service offers protection to vulnerable children and adolescents under the age of 18 who have been abused and/or neglected or who are at risk of being abused and/or neglected. Further assistance is also provided to all family members, including to the offender.
The Appoġġ Domestic Violence Services provide assistance to domestic violence victims, perpetrators, and even children. Thanks to the Għabex Emergency shelter, in urgent cases, female victims of domestic violence and their children, may be referred to this shelter for refuge and further assistance. Through these services the Agency aims to achieve a safe and healthy environment for all family members, promote healthy relationships and advocating zero tolerance towards violence.
Aġenzija Appoġġ also offers Generic Services, which provides the assistance of a social work professional to those families and individuals who are going through difficult situations and are living in poverty and/or at risk of social exclusion. Through a group of volunteers forming part of Programm Ulied Darna and Home-Start Malta, the Agency supports a wide range of families in the upbringing of their children, offering both practical and emotional support.
Families benefiting from any one of the services offered by the Agency, can also avail themselves of other services including Family Therapy or psychological assistance, which focus on providing support and therapeutic intervention to individuals or families who have experienced some kind of trauma or difficult experience in their life. Throughout the provision of services, what is needed for each individual case is always taken into consideration.
Additionally, thanks to the Fostering Service and Adoption Service, support is also provided to foster carers as well as families who would like to adopt a child.
All those whose families are passing through difficult times, and would like to talk about their experiences or emotions, or seek professional advice can call Supportline 179. This is a free phone in operation 24/7, all year round. People taking the calls are professionally trained volunteers, under the constant supervision and advice of Aġenzija Appoġġ’s professional staff, are ready to listen and refer your case to the service required. Those calling Supportline 179 can decide to remain anonymous and full confidentiality is guaranteed.
Through its services, Aġenzija Appoġġ will continue striving to promote the value of the family and will ensure that the rights of children and of other vulnerable persons are promoted and safeguarded.
Sina Bugeja
Chief Executive Officer
Foundation for Social Welfare Services