The Home Affairs Ministry and the Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl Foundation have announced a joint initiative to further prisoner rehabilitation efforts and support for families. Central to this initiative is the launch of a halfway house in Birgu, designed to assist prisoners nearing the end of their sentences with their reintegration back into society.

An investment exceeding €1.1 million by the government will facilitate the halfway house’s establishment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to support ongoing rehabilitation and family programs.

The facility, scheduled to begin operations in November, will host inmates approaching the end of their sentences. It will offer a comprehensive rehabilitation and training program to prepare these individuals for their societal return.

Additionally, the collaboration extends support to two existing initiatives: the ‘Locked Out’ program that aids prisoners’ families and the ‘Family Room’ in Marsa, a dedicated space where inmates can spend time with their families outside the prison’s confines.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri underscored the importance of the agreement and lauded the efforts of the Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl Foundation. He highlighted the role of rehabilitation in ensuring a successful reintegration for prisoners and curbing recidivism. “Our collaboration with the foundation showcases our dedication to addressing societal issues and supporting the vulnerable. Through our collective efforts in projects such as ‘Locked Out,’ the ‘Family Room,’ and the new halfway house, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of many,” stated Camilleri.

George Busuttil, the Foundation’s Chairperson, expressed his enthusiasm about the strengthening of the foundation’s role within the prison community. “We are excited about upcoming projects including therapy sessions for families facing challenges, enhancing spaces for prisoners to meet their loved ones, and our ‘Dar bla Ħitan’ (‘Home without Bars’) residence in Birgu,” he said.

Christopher Siegersma, CEO of the Correctional Services Agency, conveyed the significance of these initiatives in promoting a holistic approach to prisoner rehabilitation. He emphasized their role in shaping a more inclusive community, stating, “This agreement underlines our deep-rooted commitment to ensuring that individuals in prison receive the support they need to make a successful transition back into society.”

The formal signing of this landmark agreement saw the participation of key figures, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Home Affairs, Emmanuel Psaila; the CEO of the Correctional Services Agency, Chris Siegersma; George Busuttil, Chairperson of the Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl Foundation; and its Deputy Chairperson, Matthew Agius.