Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by the Minister for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children's Rights Michael Falzon, inaugurated a therapeutic centre for adolescents at Tal-Ibwar, siggiewi, a project which seeks to rehabilitate young people who suffer from drug addiction.

"The main aim is to avoid judgement and to give a second chance to these individuals," said Abela.

The €4 million centre is a project which will enable victims of drug abuse to integrate back into society as a newly reformed person upon finishing the program, said Abela. He remarked that early intervention is the key to the success of this project, as it will provide services to those between 13 and 18 years of age who suffered from substance abuse.

Minister Michael Falzon said that in order to have a strong society, the state must take care of every single individual and give second chances. He added that the aim is to see to everyone's potential.

Caritas Director Anthony Gatt said that the centre is an opportunity for reform for those who alternatively would have ended up in hospital or prison.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna noted that Caritas' dream remains that these centres will not become the norm, but rather should be used only under the extreme circumstances.

"Drug use is not being facilitated, but rather the state is investing in these adolescents who need help, while still keeping young people informed and educated on substance abuse," said Scicluna.