Appogg caseload on the rise

Some court decisions 'do not reflect' domestic violence law

The caseload of Agenzija Appogg, the government's social work agency, has increased by 19 per cent from 11,583 in 2002 and 2003 to 14,517 in 2004 and 2005.

Just under 2,500 cases of child abuse were dealt with by the agency in the past two years, down from 3,120 in the previous two years.

The number of care orders issued increased by 70 per cent between 2003 and 2004, up from 17 to 29. Another 29 care orders were issued in 2005.

The number of domestic violence cases dealt with by the agency's domestic violence unit increased slightly from 1,878 in 2002 and 2003 to just over 2,000 in the past two years.

Speaking during the launch of the agency's two-yearly report yesterday, Joe Gerada, the chief executive of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, said the agency's strength lay in its ability to adapt to the changes that are constantly taking place around it. Children remained a central aspect of its work.

Questioned about the reason behind the increase in the agency's caseload, Mr Gerada pointed out that the more services were offered and the better the services, the greater the demand, something that was happening across the world. He said part of the credit went to the media which always gave a lot of importance to the social sector.

Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina praised the "enormous dedication" by the agency's staff.

The minister said that when she read through a care order she wondered how certain parents failed to appreciate the great gift they had brought into the world.

Ms Cristina said it was important that there was familiarity - especially among the judiciary - with the Domestic Violence Act which came into force last February.

She said some court decisions did not reflect the law which protected both the victim and any children of the victim, adding that it was almost pointless having legislation "unless it is interpreted well and in a strong manner".

Ms Cristina also highlighted the importance of integrating refugees into society. The agency started offering services to them two years ago.