Paul Gatt and Daniella Zerafa have been married for 18 years and have fostered three children over the past six years. Their first child was four years old when she was fostered and has been with them for six years. A year and a half ago they wanted to foster another child and were told […]
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National standards and policies in child protection lacking – paediatrician warns
Research carried out by paediatrician Kevin Borg, who has a special interest in safeguarding children, shows that, more than anything else, the health division in Malta is lacking an over-arching child protection policy that sets standards for all health professionals working with children, including doctors, nurses, midwives and other allied health professionals. These include learning […]
Read moreChildren cannot wait
Several years ago when I was still reading for my social work qualification at the University of Malta one of my placements was with the Adoption and Fostering Unit at the than Ċentru Ħidma Soċjali which provided for most if not all social work services. It was a very exciting period for this sector in Malta […]
Read moreKids in care want foster family stability and contact with their siblings
Children who live in institutions want more stable placements with foster families and to remain in contact with their siblings. The findings came out of consultation meetings chaired by Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca when she was family minister, at a time when the Child Out-of-Home-Care Protection Bill was first drafted. Speaking to The Malta Independent, Paul Gatt, […]
Read moreFoster Care Association in the dark about amendment to child protection bill
Family Minister Michael Farrugia recently came under attack for his address about foster carers and for his decision to drastically amend the long-awaited Child Out-of-Home-Care Protection Bill. The National Foster Care Association Malta (NFCAM) was in agreement with the drafted bill back when President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was responsible for the ministry for family and social solidarity. […]
Read moreFather’s Day – You do not love children because they are yours, but because they deserve to be loved
It is much easier to become a father than to be one. Raising a child to adulthood is a great responsibility. Three fathers have chosen to open up their home to children who are not their own, to provide them with the love and stability they truly deserve. They speak to Therese Bonnici about the […]
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