Representatives from partner NGOs and local stakeholders met in a two-day conference and site visit in Malta as part of the family-based care project for children in migration.

The aim of the visit was to create a space for the consolidation of an action plan, contextualise the project within the Maltese scenario, raise awareness on the topic and initiate a discussion amongst stakeholders.

The visit was organized by Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS Malta) and held at the Jesuit’s Mount St Joseph, on the 24th and 25th of June 2021. Participants attended a workshop on vulnerabilities and special needs with a focus on providing psychosocial support to unaccompanied minors. They also had a session on local and international child protection laws and legislation relating to unaccompanied minors. Annemarie Pisani from the national Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers briefed the participants on the local context and procedures upon arrival of unaccompanied minors. The participants also had the opportunity to visit open centers where unaccompanied minors reside.

Finally, a stakeholder discussion was held in order to create dialogue and pave the way forward. This discussion was joined by the Director of Child Protection, Steve Libreri, and the Director of Alternative care, Remenda Grech, as well as John Role’,  representative of Dar Osanna Pia, a home run by the Salesians of Don Bosco that provides residence for homeless young people.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the number of people attending the meeting was limited to only a couple of people from each partner organization. A number of participants also joined in online.