Foster parents are warning that recent efforts to reintroduce children to their biological parents after several years of no contact could be traumatic.
Those who spoke to
Times of Malta over the past few days are concerned about the “lack of sensitivity” by the board that is responsible of reviewing the situation of children in care and makes recommendations about such contact. The Minor Protection (Alternative Care) Act, which regulates this board, was implemented in July.
John Rolé, who has worked with children in care for over 40 years, acknowledged the importance of keeping in touch with biological relatives. However, this is not always beneficial for children who have not been in contact with their family for years.
Magisterial inquiry into death of seven-year-old girl not yet concluded three years later
Seven-year-old Victoria Aluko was found dead at a Dominican Sister residence in Zabbar in 2018 • Family minister vows to publish independent inquiry findings once magisterial inquiry is concluded
9 March 2021, 6:26pm
by Karl Azzopardi
The magisterial inquiry into the death of a seven-year-old Victoria Aluko has not yet been concluded, three years after the tragic incident.
The Family Ministry had opened an independent investigation headed by Judge Emeritus Philip Sciberras, which was concluded just four months after her death. The investigation was a separate one from the magisterial inquiry which is still ongoing.
Social workers start receiving COVID-19 vaccine
Around 700 workers at the Foundation for Social Welfare Services start receiving the COVID-19 vaccine
24 February 2021, 10:56am
by Laura Calleja
Health Minister Chris Fearne and Family Minister Michael Falzon were present while these workers began receiving the vaccine at the University of Malta s vaccination centre
Around 700 workers at the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) have begun to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the government said.
These workers include those who work directly with victims of domestic violence and addiction, detox professionals and various other workers employed in child residences run by the FSWS. They are all expected to be vaccinated by the end of the week.
For every unmarried mother there’s usually an unmarried father
If the point is for society to pass self-righteous judgement on these single mothers, surely, we have more than enough of that already
Josanne Cassar
15 February 2021, 7:46am
The only message I got from that PQ, however, is that a lot of mothers are doing their best to raise their children single-handedly, while too many fathers are blithely bringing children into the world but are then conveniently let off the hook
A PQ this week by Nationalist MP Ivan Bartolo asked for information about the number of unmarried mothers who are receiving children’s allowances, how many are in employment and how many are at risk of poverty. While the Family Minister Michael Falzon provided the statistics requested, he pointed out that the ‘at risk of poverty’ part of the question has to be referred to the National Office of Statistics.