Following the statement recently issued by the Commissioner for Children, Carmen Zammit, The Ministry for Social Policy has just issued the statement shown below:

“This Ministry became aware through an official letter by the Mother Superior of the Domenican Sisters on the 14th February, 2008, that her congregation was unable to continue with providing accommodation and welfare to children, due to various reasons that they listed. At the time Agenzija APPOGG had explored the possibility of providing a limited service of care workers to attend to the most difficult of situations.

This possibility was explored in line with current Government policy of providing a High Support Service through publicly funded care workers, to support Sisters and other religious persons in church homes who care for children needing more than average support.

However while the Mother Superior appreciated this type of help, she stated that the decision of the Order was to stop this type of work and in a second letter dated 6th April, she re-affirmed her position and insisted for an urgent re-housing of the children.

At this point the Bishop of Gozo had made a public statement that the report commissioned by him suggested, that there were acts of a nature that could be described as abuse on the children. Unfortunately the information was very limiting and non specific; and this prompted more questions than answers, especially for the social workers who have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the children.

During various meetings between the APPOGG social workers and psychologists and the Domenican Sisters, all aspects of the situation were evaluated. These case conferences moved concurrently with consultation with the children. The relationship between the children and their social workers had been established for some time and therefore the social workers, together with the Sisters of the home were in a good position to draw conclusion on the best course of action for the children. At every single step, the overriding principle guiding these professionals was, and shall always be, the safety and stability, now and in the future, for these children.

During the deliberations, issues of personal attachments to the Sisters and significant other social relationships, schooling, family, siblings, as well as the children’s own wishes, were considered alongside long term issues of security, stability and quality of care. The final decision was that the best interest of the children would be to re-house them with foster carers or other church homes. A care plan was drawn for each and every child and for those under a care order; these plans were also accepted by the Children and Young Persons Advisory Board.

In the meantime, while the APPOGG social workers started their negotiations for alternative placements, the Ministry for Social Policy provided funding through the provision of care workers, to support the Sisters during this difficult period. This arrangement worked well.

During a high level meeting called by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry where the Commissioner for Children was present, a decision was taken to provide support to the Sisters on a temporary basis, until a placement is found for the children. In fact the Ministry for Social Policy accepted this suggestion and acted promptly.

Agenzija APPOGG continued with its negotiations for placements and considerable progress was registered with the full co-operation of the Sisters and the managers of the church homes. In fact all children have a secure placement, most of them have already moved and the others will move in due time, when it is most appropriate for them.

It is pertinent to point out that the future of Lourdes Home needs evaluation and discussion and only after proper analysis, can the right decisions be taken. This is true for any structure, but more so in the case of a sensitive service such as the care and welfare of children in residential care. The development of the children’s sector needs to be well thought out and that decisions are consistent with the right strategy for children’s welfare. All other decisions will flow naturally from this direction.

This Ministry remains committed to safeguard the best interests of the children with particular reference to developing systems that secure stability and development for children, needing care outside their natural home.

The Ministry re-affirms the important role that the church plays in this sector and while acknowledging that the methods and mode of care for children is changing, this does not in any way preclude the church from playing a major role in this important development. In this respect Government will continue with its dialogue with the church to improve the systems and services.”