Families play a crucial role in the general stability and well-being of society. The nurturing environment, socialisation and support provided by the family is key for a person's health and wellbeing and acts as a preventive factor against risk behaviour.

Investment in families is therefore conducive towards better quality of life.

In the fast-paced world we inhabit, families may often be confronted with several challenges that span from economic and financial strains to developing social complexities and cultural norms.

We, as policymakers, therefore, have the duty to continue prioritising investment in appropriate support mechanisms and initiatives which aim to ameliorate the wellbeing of families.

A social plan for the families 2025-2030

Our society is constantly evolving, and with it, the nature and needs of families. As these changes unfold, it is essential that policy remains responsive, ensuring that the aspirations of families are met through well-designed and forward-looking instruments.

It is within this context that the Ministry for Social Policy and Children's Rights has recently published a challenging Social Plan for the Family 2025-2030 which seeks to empower families, enabling them to adapt to both current and future challenges, while ensuring that their vital role in society is fully supported and recognised.

The social plan for family is grounded in Malta's Social Vision 2035, which envisions a society where all families - regardless of their structure - are resilient, empowered, and supported in navigating life's challenges.

The development of this social plan, addressing different realities of society was no small feat.  It required adequate planning, co-ordination and the collaboration of stakeholders on the ground.   The strength and success of the Social Plan lie in the depth and breadth of its consultation process - at all levels.

So what's the plan?

The social plan for the Family 2025-2030 recognises the pivotal role of families in shaping the future of society. In prioritising the diverse needs of the families, sustained investments are necessary to enhance well-being. Within this context, the social plan presents a number of targeted measures that cater to the specific needs of families through:

• the promotion of appropriate policies that resonate with the family diversity.
• the creation a supportive environment for families, particularly during the child-rearing years, to promote work-life balance throughout their lives.
• the provision of essential support services, conducive surroundings, and the necessary skills to effectively navigate challenges.

Building upon the foundations of existing national policies and strategies, the social plan for the family prioritises four key areas: enhancing social justice by providing targeted support to disadvantaged families, fostering healthy relationships that build resilience, empowering families through essential knowledge and skills to navigate life's challenges, and addressing socio-economic factors to support Malta's fertility rate. Together, these focus areas aim to create a supportive and thriving environments for all families.

While no single plan can address every single challenge faced by our families, the Social Plan targets key gaps through compassionate, coordinated action - placing the most vulnerable at its core. More than a policy document, it is a bold roadmap for lasting, inclusive change, ensuring that no family is left behind and that every family is empowered to thrive.

Everyone has a role to play -  the next step is collective action to turn the social plan for the family into a shared national reality.

Justin Facciol is Director, Policy Development and International Affairs at the Ministry for Social Policy and Children's Rights