The Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) handled more than 27,000 cases in 2025, marking a 5% increase on the previous year as demand for social services continued to grow.

The figures were announced by  Minister for Social Policy and the Family Michael Falzon during the launch of the foundation's annual report for 2025, which outlines the assistance sought by individuals and families and how social workers responded to their needs.

The FSWS provides specialised social services across Malta and Gozo, supporting vulnerable children, families and adults through services that are regularly updated to respond to changing social needs.

Falzon said the foundation was becoming more accessible, with more people seeking its services because they knew they could receive support and individualised plans aimed at achieving greater stability.

He stressed the importance of timely intervention, saying it could help individuals and families rebuild their lives.

FSWS Chief Executive Alfred Grixti highlighted several initiatives carried out by the foundation during 2025, including the Għabex emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, the implementation of the New Beginnings - Empowering Against Trafficking project, and securing European Union funding for the Second Chance project, which supports vulnerable young people.

Grixti said the foundation continued to invest in service quality, staff development, digital transformation and evidence-based practice throughout the year. He added that strengthening its operational capacity had enabled the FSWS to reach more clients.

The foundation also continued to expand its workforce, with more than 1,000 employees by the end of 2025.

Training and professional development remained priorities, with approximately 200 internal training sessions held during the year, involving employees across the organisation.