These words of gratitude reflect the deep resolve felt by so many children, youths, and families blessed by your work, to continue the journey you've inspired in us, seeking always and incessantly the best interest of all children, especially children deprived of their biological family's love.

Two years ago, nearly 1,000 Maltese citizens signed a petition asking government to reverse its decision stalling your sterling work.  Minister Farrugia heeded the petition, stating that the decision to remove you from the fostering services had been taken without his consent.  

Two years later, it transpires that an elaborate plan had been developed whereby you would be accused, disciplined and forced out of the service to which you had given your life.

I want to assure you that I have met no one out there, parent, foster carer, fostered child, fostered or ex-fostered young person, professional, who doubts your integrity or who believes that the decision to move you out of the fostering services was taken in the best interest of children.

You were accused of a data protection breech because as manager of the fostering services you worked too close with the National Foster Care Association Malta.  Yet, the close collaboration between Agenzija Appogg Fostering Services and the NAFCAM was one of the main foundations for the growth and success of this sector since their inception in 1999, having served over 500 children with a family when their own biological family had failed them.  

When someone in government discovered that mobile numbers of foster carers were regularly shared between the fostering services and NAFCAM in support of good collaboration, a plot to nail you was developed.

Yes, you were found at fault for sharing some mobile numbers on the request of a NAFCAM executive member who then went ahead to launch the data protection complaint.  

But did this "oversight", if it can be called an "oversight", ever justify the months of anguish to which you were subjected until it was made clear that you were no longer persona grata within the fostering services?  

Even more critical, is the removal of your leadership from the fostering service, without any consideration for the children, youth, foster carers that valued your service and without a well-planned succession plan, justifiable on any ground?

Although the appeals process decided in your favour, you realized that moving out of Agenzija Appogg was the only option. And so you have chosen to continue serving young outside the public service.

A few months ago, a significant number of parents of a public secondary school received an email from their school that inadvertently included the email addresses of all the parents receiving the email. Yet, no one ever doubted the school's intention; nor anyone considered disciplining the Head of the School or the school's administration.  It was a genuine mistake and the consequence was minimal.  Parents accepted an apology and life went on.

But not in your case, John.  You have "committed" one major offence against the establishment: you did not bow down to any pressure from your superiors that would compromise the best interest of the most vulnerable children.  

But John, you don't know otherwise. I remembering you debating vigorously with Dr Lawrence Gonzi, then Minister for Social Policy, and standing your ground for the children who had no one to defend them.

You were principled then and you remained true to yourself till the end.  Your politics of virtue have now been deemed a transgression.

The past two years of badgering you have experienced have left their mark. I have been in contact with professionals working in fear, children and young persons saddened by your departure, foster carers and families who are disheartened and feeling at a loss.

Social workers read in your removal a clear warning sign of what can happen to anyone who does not toe the line.

Your input was silenced during the recent debates in Parliament on important child care legislation.

Government has now full control of all sensitive social services boards and committees.  The morale of sector is in an all-time low.

What was once a sector that operated at arm's length from party politics is now heavily politicised.  

Unfortunately the  current regime has left its inedible mark.

Dear John

You might be discouraged as you leave the Foster Care Services to continue serving young people with the Salesians, conveniently seconded by government.  And the situation does appear bleak.  But don't be dispirited dear John.  Things can change and things will change. You work will outlive you and the sun will shine again tomorrow. 

Together with so many professionals, service users, and volunteers, I assure you of our deep gratitude, a gratitude we resolve to convey through our unremitting work in favour of the children and the families for whom you gave so much.

Thank you John

Robert Cutajar is Opposition Spokesperson for Family Affairs,Children Rights,Elderly and Persons With Disability