22,007 persons sought help from FSWS last year, as it celebrates 25th anniversary
The Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) is celebrating the 25th anniversary since its inception, with 22,007 people having sought help from the organisation just last year, a statement from the Social Policy Ministry said.
A conference was held under the theme ‘The Welfare State and Welfare Services: Present Challenges and Future Needs,’ which looked back at the extensive work carried out by the foundation over the past 25 years of service.
The statement read that the FSWS has provided high-quality and timely assistance to those seeking help to become responsible, productive, and integrated members of society, and to value life as a resource that enables them to reach their potential.
During the conference, it was explained how massive investment was made in child protection, family issues, addiction, and domestic violence, among others. Over the years, the FSWS has continued to grow, and its services have been adapted to meet the needs and trends of society, the statement read.
“All services offered in Malta are now also offered in Gozo. In June 2018, the Social Welfare Services set up a directorate in Gozo to ensure that its services for vulnerable people are also provided on this island.”
Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon said that the FSWS has a budget of €30 million and employs around 1,000 people.
He said that about 80% of these are professionals from various psycho-social disciplines who work directly with many people, including the 22,077 people who sought help from the foundation last year.
These professionals work in three agencies and three directorates: Aġenzija Appoġġ, Aġenzija Sedqa, the Agency for Therapeutic and Community Services (ACTS), the Gozo Directorate, the Directorate for the Protection of Minors, and the Alternative Care Directorate.
The conference was also addressed by the CEO of the FSWS Alfred Grixti, Opposition MPs David Agius and Ivan Bartolo and Italian Senator Matteo Renzi.