Press Release by the Ministry for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights: more specialised services for youths with addiction problems

Reference Number: PR211196

Over 600 youths making use of services offered by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) shall be offered further specialised services to address their challenges more holistically. 

These services include Youth in Focus, Achieve and the Adolescent Day Programme which are aimed at those youths who seek help because of drug addiction so that they can find support and assistance from professionals. 

This announcement was made during a press conference organised by FSWS some days prior to June 26th, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. 

Michael Falzon, Minister for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights stated that we must acknowledge that drugs are not a solution for life’s problems, but they are the actual problem. He said that it would be a huge mistake to condemn those  youths who abuse drugs, instead we should be there to help them achieve the skills they need. 

Minister Falzon said that throughout this year €2,330,000 were invested in services focussed on adolescents and youths. “We have to understand why the substances are used and if they are compensating for other things which are lacking. All of society has to understand that we need to offer a helping hand and encouragement” the Minister stated. 

Alfred Grixti, CEO of FSWS in turn stated the need of a specialised plan for staff trained to work with youths and emphasised that these youths have a right to their dignity and to live their lives free from alcohol and drugs. 

The services offered by FSWS in this area are managed by the Directorate for Alternative Care. They do not only offer assistance in the present, but they also provide a plan for subsequent care after the minor reaches the age of 18.