Aid to young offenders

With reference to the item Taskforce To Study Services Offered To Young Offenders (February 4), Aġenzija Appoġġ would like to make some clarifications.

Over the past three years, 19 minors have been referred from Aġenzija Appoġġ, been accepted by YMCA and actually started receiving a service from this organisation.

However, these same 19 minors might have been referred to YMCA on more than one occasion. Social workers from Aġenzija Appoġġ continuously follow these young people and liaise with other professionals involved in their care plan with the ultimate aim of providing the necessary support for their well-being.

Moreover, social workers from Aġenzija Appoġġ also collaborate on case reviews with YMCA and other professionals, help young persons in seeking employment, are present in cases where interrogations by the police need to be carried out and also provide their support when young persons are required to appear in court.

Furthermore, whenever possible, the agency also provides the necessary support to the young person’s family.

Referring also to the part where the item states that “Questions sent to the agency remained unanswered at the time of writing”, please note the agency’s answers were submitted to The Times, on Wednesday, February 2 at 4.34 p.m.

Editor’s note: The agency’s replies were published in a separate article.