Acts

Every individual who resides within the localities forming part of the community service parameters is eligible for the service. A list of services, according to the locality, can be found by clicking here: Overview – FSWS

Our community service aims to help individuals function better within their communities, to build support networks and make the best use of the available services and resources.

We respond to family needs by completing an assessment to help us understand the presenting situation. Our objective is to prepare the family in concern with the necessary skills to address challenges and cope better in times of crises. We work with families on various issues, such as individual well-being, parenting empowerment, family relationships, legal matters, employment and educational readiness, housing and household stability, financial literacy, income stability, and other social issues that a family may face from time to time.

For social work, mentoring, parenting, and psychotherapeutic services, you can either drop in at the respective centre in your area or call us to set an appointment. Our service may also be accessed through a referral from a professional agency.

Yes, should you feel that we can be of any service; you can establish contact with our community services either by telephone, email or by attending one of our centres. For parenting and psychotherapeutic support, our social workers and mentors can refer you to Therapeutic Services (including HBTS and Incredible Years) following an assessment and upon engagement with the former services. You may also call on 22959000 and request an appointment with the Therapeutic Services Intake team.

We do our best to ensure that when a person drops-in at one of our centres, a professional is available to listen to you and any issues you may be facing. To initiate our service, you will be asked to sign a consent form. A preliminary assessment will then take place, followed by the signing of an Action Plan.

By signing a consent form, you agree to work with us, while also permitting us to store all data and information that you provide, which are stored securely and are not accessible to anyone outside the service. The consent form complies with General Data Protection Regulations and with Chapter 568 of the Laws of Malta. You may revoke your consent at any point in time; however, we would not be able to offer you a service if you choose to do so.

The service agreement is a written commitment that describes what has been agreed between you and our professionals in terms of service provision. It specifies the rights, duties, and responsibilities of both parties, as well as the objectives of our socio-therapeutic relationship.

A family support project aims to strengthen the parenting capacity to ensure family well-being.

Community projects aim to empower the local community through involvement, organisation, and skills training to improve the quality of life within the community through collective action.

We have families and communities at heart. Our interventions are based on evidence, and members of our staff who are assigned to support you are all professionals.

Service is offered on both a one-to-one basis and also as a family.

Our service is confidential, except in circumstances when you disclose something which is deemed to be of risk to yourself or others. The limits of confidentiality are explained by each professional, and you are reminded of these limits whenever necessary. You will also be informed when professionals intend to break confidentiality and how this will be done, which could also involve a report to any relevant authorities according to the local law.

Yes, our services are all free of charge.

In most cases, we would request your permission before we speak to your child. However, the Minor Protection (Alternative Care) Act – Chapter 602 of the Laws of Malta – states that professionals are bound to report any concerning issues related to child abuse. If your child discloses anything related to child abuse, we will speak to the child to obtain any relevant details. We will take action according to the case, which may include direct contact with you also to support you accordingly.

We do our best to start in the shortest time possible; however, this depends on various factors. You will be updated from time to time if the service cannot be provided to you immediately. Nevertheless, urgent situations are always attended to promptly.

Our service is voluntary, and you are free to terminate our services at any point in time. However, if the termination of services gives rise to any harm to you or others, the relevant authorities would be contacted as deemed necessary.

The duration of service depends on the stipulated time frame in the care plans upon agreement by both parties.

It is our pleasure to support you in accessing other services which are considered to be necessary for your well-being. Referrals take place as part of your care plan.

Mentoring is a partnership that works on strengthening client motivation and commitment to change. Our work is guided by your hopes and values. We support you in making the necessary changes to address the challenges you may be facing. Our specialised areas are employment and employment readiness, lifelong education, housing and household stability, financial literacy, and parenting empowerment.

Community development workers work within the community to implement social change and improve the quality of life of individuals, families, and entire communities. Our work is project-based and includes working with stakeholders and community leaders.

As community social workers, we help you deal with difficult social situations. To function better within your community, we help you build your support networks and make the best use of the available services. Being in the community means that we can grasp a broader view of your life situations and would use the resources within the community to address your needs as part of the intervention.

Sometimes individuals or families are overwhelmed or passing through conflict. Family therapists help family members understand and support each other while utilising their resources in dealing with problems. Counsellors are professionals trained in guiding individuals to navigate through life’s difficulties or cope with psychosocial issues. Psychotherapists assist individuals in dealing with interpersonal difficulties, such as anxiety, stress, depression, negative behavioural patterns, or mental health conditions.

Children don’t come with user manuals. The Incredible Years® parenting coaches are trained professionals, who support parents in managing children’s challenging behaviour, both in a group and home setting. The Incredible Years® coaching also involves behavioural programmes targeted at children who have difficulties of a social, developmental, or behavioural nature.

By applying a multi-disciplinary approach, we mean that all our professionals (community mentors, social workers, community development workers, family therapists, psychotherapists, counsellors, and The Incredible Years® parenting coaches) work together within a team. This is done to ensure that families are provided with full support by utilising the help of all the different learning and the methods of intervention of our professionals.

A care plan helps to organise the overall aims and outcomes agreed between you and the professionals working with you. It describes the required interventions to be executed by both parties and is reviewed periodically to evaluate the action taken and update the plan. You will be given a written and signed copy of the plan.

Social inclusion is the framework where every individual is recognised as a member of society. It ensures an individual’s access to support networks and facilitates participation in educational, employment, cultural, and other social activities. Furthermore, social inclusion ensures that everyone has rights, and access to resources and opportunities to reach maximum potential.