Pioneering programme to support prisoner reintegration launched
OARS will provide psychological therapy, family mediation, skills training and employment support
The Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights has signed the transitory agreement for the pre-implementation phase of OARS (Opportunità għal Bidu Aħjar/Offender Aftercare Reintegration Service) in collaboration with the NGOs SOS Malta and Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl, marking the launch of a pioneering programme designed to help persons in prison re-enter their communities and rebuild their lives with dignity, stability and opportunity.
The OARS initiative is a strategic and transformative national response to the long-standing psychosocial reintegration challenges faced by individuals exiting Malta’s correctional system. As Malta’s first public social partnership, the project unites the expertise of SOS Malta and Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl with the support of the ministry and the Corrradino Correctional Facility team.
Through a holistic six-month programme, beginning inside prison and continuing after release, OARS will provide psychological therapy, family mediation, skills training and employment support, bridging the gap between prison and community life.
The programme will officially open in January 2026, with the pre-implementation phase starting immediately. This phase focuses on sourcing and training the right team to deliver the programme effectively, ensuring that all professionals are fully prepared to support participants throughout their journey.
We are creating a pathway that restores dignity and strengthens resilience for individuals, families and the wider community- Graziella Schiavone, head of finance and operations for SOS Malta
Referrals will be made for persons in prison and services will commence up to six weeks prior to release and continue post-release in the community, and identified in collaboration with the professional team at the Corradino Correctional Services Facility.
Participation is voluntary and based on informed consent, and the programme’s success will rely on the support of the team at the Corradino Correctional Facility, as well as various other public and private entities.
Graziella Schiavone, head of finance and operations for SOS Malta, said by working with persons in prison before their release and continuing support after, “we are creating a pathway that restores dignity and strengthens resilience for individuals, families and the wider community”.
Charlene Calleja, director of operations and administration for Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl, added that reintegration is not just about rehabilitation.
“It’s about prevention, inclusion and ensuring that persons in prison are given the tools to return to society with reliability and hope,” she said.
Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon highlighted that OARS marks “a significant step forward” in how Malta supports reintegration.
“By offering support that starts in prison and continues into the community, we are empowering individuals to succeed, strengthening families and building safer, more inclusive communities,” he said.