Regulatory standards for those providing residential services for persons with disabilities were launched on Friday.

The standards are set to be a guideline for organisations, entities or companies that provide assistance to those with disabilities.

The 19 standards are based on principles such as security, privacy and dignity, seeking to protect the rights of those with disabilities.

Service providers should create a personal plan for those with a disability and staff should support residents in reaching their goals, according to the standards.

One of the greatest fears of parents of children with disabilities is that the child will not be able to live independently when their parents pass away, Parliamentary Secretary for Ageing Anthony Agius Decelis told a press conference.

These standards will help provide peace of mind to families that their children will not be abandoned, he added. 

“Instead, we are ensuring they will be living at the heart of the community, with regulated services that support them,” Mr Agius Decelis said.

The standards also insist service providers should implement a management strategy to ensure that services are continuously updated, and that staff is continuously trained.

Social Care Standards Authority Chief Executive Officer Matthew Vella said the standards ensure that there is dialogue between the authority, service providers and those who benefit from the service.

The authority worked with different stakeholders to ensure the standards were realistic and feasible, he added.

“I am certain that we will see a significant improvement in the quality of life of those with disabilities,” Mr Vella said. “In the coming weeks, we will be launching standards that are related with social well-being,” he added.