An exploration of the social support services infrastructure related to foster care in Malta

Abstract

This research study explores the Social Support Services’ Infrastructure related to Foster Care in Malta. Qualitative research was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon, especially since the research topic is under-researched in the local scenario. The study seeks to highlight the experiences which local foster carers have of the current available services. It also seeks to identify the gaps in the non-paying services offered by the government of Malta and the local social work services’ agencies to fostered children and their foster carers, delving into how these could be enhanced for the benefit of the children’s well-being and their foster carers. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six approved foster carers in Malta. The questions asked intended to identify the support received from social work, psychological, educational and health services during the process of fostering. Through this qualitative research method, the researcher delved into the experiences, insights, processes and reflections of foster carers when receiving and seeking to obtain such services for the fostered children in their care. Data gathered highlighted a number of challenges that have to be further looked into to provide a more effective and efficient foster care system in Malta. A ‘one size fits all’ approach should be diminished from the foster care system in Malta whilst further improvement is required in all areas most especially in those of health and education. The study also discusses the perceived lack of support which foster carers mentioned they have from social workers due to their workload as well as the consequences that arise from the visits which children have with their biological parents’. A number of evidence-based recommendations have emerged, such as the importance of receiving assistance in education and opportunities to enrol in extra-curricular activities to ensure a successful future for fostered children. The fragmentation of services emerged as a pressing issue, coupled with a number of limitations in terms of assessments which are not carried out on fostered children at the point when a care order is issued, thus greatly impacting the level of services offered to this group.