The collaboration between the Home Affairs Ministry for Home Affairs and the Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl Foundation has resulted in steps towards enhancing prisoner rehabilitation and family support programmes, as well as the establishment of a new halfway house in Birgu, the government said, adding that it will play a pivotal role in aiding prisoners' reintegration into society.
A government statement said that the newly signed agreement commits government to invest over €1.1 million to facilitate the opening of the halfway house and bolster ongoing rehabilitation efforts for inmates and their families.
The facility is set to welcome a number of prisoners who are in the final stages of their sentences, providing them with a structured programme of rehabilitation and training prior to their re-entry into society. The halfway house is expected to commence operations from November this year.
Beyond the launch of this new residence, the agreement extends the services of two existing programmes provided by the foundation: the 'Locked Out' initiative, which assists families of prisoners, and the management of a 'Family Room' in Marsa, where inmates can meet their families outside the prison premises.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, who emphasized the significance of this collaboration with the Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl Foundation.
He said that rehabilitation is pivotal not only for prisoners to pursue a positive path upon reintegration, but also to decrease the rate of recidivism within the community.
Camilleri said that initiatives like these reflect the government's commitment to addressing social welfare concerns and aiding those most vulnerable.
"We continue to invest, hand in hand with the Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl Foundation, in the rehabilitation of those serving prison sentences. Through three projects - 'Locked Out,' the 'Family Room' project, and now a new residence - we remain committed to investing in rehabilitation, making these individuals better equipped for re-entry into our society," Camilleri said.
Chairperson of the Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl Foundation George Busuttil said that this agreement solidifies the foundation's work within the prison community.
"Through this agreement, we can continue with projects such as therapy sessions for families of prisoners facing challenges. We'll also further equip the space where prisoners can meet their children outside the prison environment. Moreover, we'll begin work on a new residence in Birgu, which we're calling 'Dar bla Ħitan' or 'Home without Bars,'" Busuttil said.
CEO of the Correctional Services Agency Christopher Siegersma said that these programmes and initiatives are designed to greatly assist prisoners in their rehabilitation process, ultimately fostering a more tolerant and inclusive society.
"Through this agreement, as an intermediary agency, we see it as another opportunity for individuals currently in prison to earn their way back into the community after receiving our rehabilitative services within prison," he said.
"This collaboration signifies a profound commitment to the betterment of those under our care," Siegersma continued.
The agreement was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Home Affairs Emmanuel Psaila, CEO of the Correctional Services Agency Chris Siegersma, Chairperson of the Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl Foundation George Busuttil, and Deputy Chairperson of the same foundation Matthew Agius.