A new EU-funded project, 'Second Chance: Empowering First-Time Offenders', was launched on Wednesday.

The project aims to bring about a positive change in the behaviour and lives of young people who have had run-ins with the justice system, the government said in a statement. "This support will help these youths avoid repeating past mistakes and provide them with the opportunity to turn their lives around without any danger to themselves and others."

With a financial allocation of over three million euros, this collaborative initiative will give these young individuals the chance to reach their full potential and make a positive contribution to society, the government said.

At the project launch, the Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights, Michael Falzon, said: "Young people are both the present and the future of society, and we must prioritize their needs. This should be done while respecting the society that gave them a chance at reform." 

The CEO of FSWS, Alfred Grixti, said that the project will primarily focus on four key areas: outreach and prevention, targeted and specialized interventions, active inclusivity, and strengthening collaboration between all stakeholders. He concluded by emphasizing that young people are the future of society and that it is crucial to prioritize what is necessary for the Maltese people.

Remenda Grech, Director of Alternative Care within FSWS, spoke about the project's work and its benefits for those who will use it. "This project will create an opportunity for various stakeholders, including FSWS, the police, the drugs tribunal, the prison, and local regions, to work together in a coordinated manner to provide a holistic plan for young people with behavioural issues and first-time offenders."