The MASW estimates that in Malta there is approximately 1 social worker for every 1,500 people, while in the UK (which claims to have a shortage of social workers) the ratio is almost double.

A typical social worker in Malta follows an average of 40 cases while in Ireland the recommended caseload varies from 12 to maximum of 30.

Last February, the MASW chairman Anthea Agius had lamented to www.di-ve.com that there was at the time only one holistic community centre – Access in Vittoriosa – which was very successful. However, at the time, the other centres planned for St Paul’s Bay, Birkirkara and Valletta had not been opened.

The permanent secretary at the Social Policy Minister Francis Borg has now confirmed to www.di-ve.com that the Qawra and Birkirkara centres have since been opened and that Valletta was scheduled to open in the coming days.

“The new community centres are a very positive and long-awaited initiative. These should be based on the experience that has been gained from the Access model that has been running for almost 10 years now,” Ms Agius said.

“I must note that these initiatives are very much needed to put a bigger focus on prevention and mitigation of more serious situations, such as those seen in the specialised services. This should also alleviate the great stress on the social workers working in specialised services, who often have to work in ongoing crisis and traumatic situations putting them at a great risk of burnout.

“Community services are comparable in concept to health centres and family doctors of healthcare. It is therefore important that these developments are not treated only as a redistribution of the way the service is delivered but as an additional resource which is very much needed.”

Mr Borg confirmed that the intention was to appoint a director for outreach services, to provide dedicated support for a holistic approach.

 

Related links

• Social workers plead for community care 

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