Earlier this year, the University of Malta’s Department of Family Studies began a collaboration with Oxford University to expand work on evidence-based policy for children and families. The Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity commissioned Prof. Angela Abela and her team at the department to research the global evidence concerning pathways to single parenthood, and effective evidence-based interventions for those families.

Early results were presented at a conference on January 16. In short, outcomes for these families are very poor. This is not news. The team went on to look at evidence on how best to intervene. This was done at two levels. Learning lessons firstly globally and then locally. The global lessons will now be published in major academic papers.

Some studies indicate that longer schooling would be helpful. Might this be in the form of a longer school day or shorter holidays? Or both?

The lessons for Malta are nuanc­ed. There is much to be learnt from overseas, but the country’s context needed to be considered carefully. In short, what was found was that these families need education – in a number of areas – to help lift them out of poverty, to prevent delinquency and gang membership, to avoid the cycle of early pregnancy. Most importantly, we found there is a need to raise aspirations. If more is expected of these children and they want more of themselves, outcomes are more likely to improve.

So what now? We need to do more work. Precise interventions need to be explored. For example, some studies indicate that longer schooling would be helpful. Might this be in the form of a longer school day or shorter holidays? Or both?

Of course, what works for one country may not work for another, and local adaptation may be needed. This is a skilled science and one that needs attention here. However, steps are being taken and the work under way at the Department of Family Studies is notable. I am, so far, very impressed with what is being accomplished in such short order, but there is a long way to go.

Paul Montgomery is professor of psycho-social intervention at Oxford University and affiliate professor at the University of Malta.