Prisoners nearing release offered a pathway back into the community
Every person should be given a real opportunity to rebuild their life and find their place in society, home affairs minister says
The government is strengthening its work to support the social reintegration of prisoners serving the final part of their sentence through services offered by Dar Bla Ħitan, a community residence run by Fondazzjoni Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl.
The residence is operated through an agreement with the Home Affairs and Security Ministry.
Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield visited Dar Bla Ħitan, where he met residents, staff and the foundation’s management to discuss the work being carried out to support people transitioning back into the community.
Bedingfield said the agreement with Fondazzjoni Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl was a concrete example of the government’s commitment to investing in specialised services that address the needs of people and families facing social challenges.
“Every person should be given a real opportunity to rebuild their life and find their place in society. Reintegration does not end with release from prison. It is a process that requires support, guidance and concrete opportunities,” he said.
“When we invest in services such as these, we are creating stronger, more inclusive and safer communities.”
He said collaboration between the government and civil society was crucial to giving people the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and responsibility.
Fondazzjoni Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl chairperson George Busuttil said the agreement with the ministry enabled the foundation to provide comprehensive services addressing both individual and family needs.
He also stressed the importance of supporting children and families affected by the prison experience.
During the visit, one resident said the Dar Bla Ħitan programme had been crucial in helping him regain self-confidence.
“When you have people who believe in you, you start believing in yourself more too,” the resident said.
Residential services coordinator Dorianne Apap said the Dar Bla Ħitan programme is divided into four phases and includes individual and group therapy, training, employment opportunities and volunteering.
The aim is to help residents make a gradual and sustainable transition towards independent living in the community.
Dar Bla Ħitan is one of three services provided by Fondazzjoni Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl under the agreement with the Home Affairs and Security Ministry.
The agreement also includes support and therapy services for families, as well as a specialised visits programme between children and their parents in a dedicated setting, aimed at strengthening family ties and facilitating social reintegration.
Fondazzjoni Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl has been supporting people and families affected by the prison experience for more than 30 years, while promoting rehabilitation and social inclusion as essential elements of stronger communities.