Children at Lourdes Home to make wayfor elderly

Talks are in progress to relocate the children resident at Lourdes Home in Għajnsielem, which will be converted into an old people's institute.

The home is at the centre of controversy after a commission appointed by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech found that physical abuse against some of the young residents had been committed there in the past.

Joe Gerada, CEO of the Foundation of Social Services, said the Dominican Sisters who run the home have been having talks with Aġenzija Appoġġ for the re-housing of the 10 children cared for at the home. The talks started some months ago and will continue next week.

The process, he said, had to take its time because the children - youngsters and teenagers - have to be gradually introduced to new carers. He said the sisters had long indicated their intention to change the role of the home.

"Church children's homes have been facing problems because the sisters are growing older and the demands to raise the children are getting heavier. The model of having children's homes run by the Church is now passé and the government needs to urgently come up with a new plan for this sector," he said.

Mr Gerada pointed out that some important work had been done by the government, particularly in the area of fostering. A care programme for children with mental difficulties had been introduced in association with the Richmond Foundation and Ġesù Nazzarenu Institute. But more had to be done, he said.