The Ministry for Social Policy and Children's Rights has invested €1.6 million in a residence for children with behavioural problems.
Government has sealed an agreement with the mental health NGO Richmond Foundation, so that the KIDS home in Santa Venera can provide emotional support and an educational basis for children with behavioural challenges aged 7 to 10.
The funding will cover operations for three years. The agreement was signed on Monday in the presence of Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon, where he said that this social agreement sends a strong message towards the protection of children.
He said that no child should be left behind, and in light of a complex situation, the home will help children who show challenges at an early stage in their emotional, social and behavioural development.
The residence can hold up to a maximum of nine children who are likely to be referred by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS), after an assessment which would find that it would be better for the children to live under continuous supervision for a period of time.
Children who exhibit self-harm, physical aggression and behaviour that can be dangerous for both themselves and those around them would be referred to the residence.
"We are here to provide direction, guidance, love and affection to the children who end up in situations such as this, and we do this without any prejudice or stigma. Therefore, we will continue to put our hands out, and invest as much as necessary in resources, in order to give everything that is needed," Falzon said.
"If we do not do this, we will have failed not only these children but all of society. Every child deserves the best, as well as the best upbringing. Timely action can change the direction of these children," Falzon said.
Present for the signing was the Chief Executive of the FSWS Alfred Grixti, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Social Policy and Children's Rights Mark Musù, Chairperson of Richmond Foundation Ivan Mifsud and the CEO of Richmond Foundation Stephania Dimech Sant.