A total of 156 registered social workers were the first batch to receive their warrants since the coming into force, in June 2004, of the 2003 Act on the Regulation of the Social Work Profession and the setting up of the Malta Social Work Profession Board.

Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina, who presented the warrants, said that over the past few years there had been a record amount of social legislation, which facilitated social workers' interventions during the course of their work.

The latest example was the Domestic Violence Act, which will come into force next month, she said.

Carmen Zammit, who chairs the Social Work Profession Board, said the board's future plans include a code of ethics to regulate the profession.

The board also planned basic courses in social work for volunteers who lack professional training in the field.