Just over half of foster carers feel they are part of the foster care team in decisions taken concerning the child in their care, a survey by the National Foster Care Association of Malta has found.

The survey, which included the participation of 90 per cent of foster carers in Malta also found that 10 per cent feel that more efforts are needed in this area to give them due authority.

A total 60 per cent feel that they are supported by the agency while nearly 80 per cent claim that more support is needed by the government through financial assistance and and provision of specialised personnel, such as psychologists and counsellors.

Eighty per cent feel they are provided with adequate training in preparation and during the fostering experience.

During the course of the survey, however, it became evident that there is room for improvement in communication between foster carers and with social workers in the caring field.

The association said that since conducting the survey, it has held several meetings including with President George Abela, Archbishop Paul Cremona, Gozo bishop Mario Grech, Education Minister Dolores Cristina, Family Minister Chris Said, Health Minister Joseph Cassar, MP Justyne Caruana, Commissioner for Children Helen D’Amato and others.

The aim of the meetings was to promote the objectives of the association and the ongoing work of Foster Care in Malta, present the survey findings and embark on a debate to improve the situation.

The meetings, the association said, will continue. It said it will also be holding conferences and will to strive to influence decisions in policy-making.