PN calls for Parliamentary debate on inquiry regarding Children and Young Persons Advisory Board
The Nationalist Party is requesting for a Parliamentary debate on the inquiry report recently published regarding the Children and Young Persons Advisory Board.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat appointed the inquiry after PN MP Robert Cutajar alleged that in a number of instances back in 2015, the board did not heed reports made by social workers, and that decisions were taken against the interests of children.
Judge Michael Mallia, in his conclusions, said that the Children and Young Persons Advisory Board should have one interest only, to promote children’s interests, adding that every other interest is secondary.
The Judge noted that there was no ministerial interference in board decisions. He also referred in his report, to a declaration by the then Chairman, who noted that the board’s duty was also to bring children closer to their parents and try and reintegrate them in their biological home if possible. Judge Mallia said that this was not the board’s task.
PN MP Claudio Grech said that Minister Michael Falzon spoke with the Opposition last week, and both sides decided that only the conclusions of the report be published as it can indicate particular cases.
He said the board deals with consultation regarding care orders, where their future is determined as to whether they remain with their biological parents, or go through the foster care system. He said it is an emotionally difficult issue.
“Every case has its own particularities and sensitivities. This board listens and looks at respective cases. The Opposition’s reaction is that we agree with the conclusions of Judge Mallia.”
He says that the board must promote the interests of children first and foremost. “We believe this must be the principle that guides us in terms of what we do through legislation. The children are the ones who need strong legal protection as they cannot defend themselves. They are also our future citizens. It is natural, from a legislative point of view, for children to be put at the forefront of all legislation.”
He said that the report found a number of cases, where this principle was not necessarily observed.
He said that from the discussion the judge had with a number of foster care parents, “they are not always given the respect they deserve.” He noted that there were circumstances where they felt intimidated enough to have to take a lawyer with them to make reports before the board.
He said that the PN proposed that government should sit down with the Opposition, and all other stakeholders, to work on a law that can reflect the practices, the reality and the interest of the child.
He spoke of the need to look at how Malta supports foster carers in Malta. “I believe they are giving a huge contribution, and we must see how we can look at the concept of permanent fostering, rather than just temporary fostering.”
He said that society must support biological parents to adjust their situations to try and reunite with their children in an environment where the children can grow. The main criteria one must decide on when sending a child back to their parents, is what is in the interest of the child.
He also said that those appointed on this kind of board, and similar boards, should not political appointed. “It is a failure across party lines. These are areas where you need experts, with a lot of experience.”
PN MP Robert Cutajar said that in 2015 there were a number of reports regarding the board taking decisions which were not in the interest of the child.
“Who will carry responsibility for those children who suffered from bad decisions? Action was not taken for years,” he said.