Support line 179 received over 9,000 calls in 2018
In 2018, the Youth Services of Aġenzija Appoġġ National Support line 179 received 9,010 genuine calls, the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) 2018 report said.
The report, presented yesterday, also showed that 274 After Hour Emergency Service interventions took place in 2018.
FSWS chief executive officer
Alfred Grixti said that the highlight for the 179 team in 2018 was the employment of paid operators, instead of a volunteerrun line. “The employment of full-time operators is to provide a backbone for such an important line, seeing an increase in calls,” Grixti said.
In 2018, a record number of 148 young people who were reluctant at first to receive help were reached out to; and Aġenzija Appoġġ
worked with an overall number of 164 young people. The report also highlighted that the waiting list decreased from 41 to 23 youths in 2018. The Childwebalert website received 240 online reports and 342 calls related to online abuse.
The report also highlighted that the Child Protection Waiting list has decreased by 80 per cent since December 2018. The intake management strategies indicate that the goal of supporting families in the community before a referral is made to CPS has been successful, and CPS conducted over 700 case discussions with schools to support preventative work in the community. Fifty-two minors reintegrated with their birth families were supported by the Looked After Children Service in 2018.
The report highlights that 50 children were placed in foster care in 2018 and the team received a total of 133 fostering enquiry calls. In 2018, 77 individuals attended foster care preservice training in 2018.
Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidary Minister Michael Falzon expressed his satisfaction with the work done by FSWS in 2018, stating it has been one of the best year both operational as well as receiving service. “Social Work is not easy, but it is vital work, one that helps people and our society,” expressed Falzon. He highlighted the protection of families and children, and emphasised that more work must be done in mental health awareness. On the note of child protection and services, Falzon said that next year should see the beginning of a project for a rehabilitation centre for adolescents.
He said that the government had also increased funding, such that over the past five years the foundation had doubled its employees to extend the services it provides to vulnerable people. The foundation’s expenditure will rise to almost €24 million.
Chairperson of FSWS Joe Garada highlighted that the work done by the agency is not just to safeguard those vulnerable, but the whole of society. “We are not sectorial but contribute to all of society. We wish to decrease the risk of isolation in society and to provide a community for all. He explained that he wishes to ensure a service for the community to be more integral and provide more opportunities for all. He also emphasised that social workers are not simply there to provide a better life for clients, but must also integrate themselves in their clients’ locality to understand the everyday life of the individual in that community. “There has been progress, but much more has to be done.”