Malta Launches First Public Social Partnership To Support Prisoner Reintegration
The Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights has today signed the Transitory Agreement for the pre-implementation phase of OARS (Opportunità għal-Bidu Aħjar / Offender Aftercare Reintegration Service), in collaboration with NGOs SOS Malta and Mid-Dlam Għad-Dawl. The agreement marks the launch of a pioneering initiative aimed at helping individuals in prison reintegrate into society, rebuild their lives with dignity, and access opportunities for stability and growth.
The OARS initiative represents a strategic and transformative national response to the long-standing psychosocial challenges faced by those leaving Malta’s correctional system. As the country’s first public social partnership (PSP), the programme brings together the expertise of SOS Malta and Mid-Dlam Għad-Dawl, supported by the Ministry and the Corradino Correctional Facility team.
Through a holistic six-month programme, which begins within prison and continues after release, OARS will provide psychological therapy, family mediation, skills training, and employment support, bridging the gap between incarceration and community life.
The programme is scheduled to officially open in January 2026, with the pre-implementation phase starting immediately. This phase will focus on recruiting and training the professional team required to deliver the programme effectively, ensuring participants receive comprehensive support throughout their journey. Referrals will be made for prisoners, with services beginning up to six weeks prior to release and continuing post-release in the community, in collaboration with Corradino Correctional Services. Participation is voluntary and based on informed consent, with success dependent on the support of the correctional facility staff and various public and private partners.
Graziella Schiavone, Head of Finance and Operations at SOS Malta, said,
“OARS is about second chances with structure. By working with prisoners before release and providing continued support afterwards, we are creating a pathway that restores dignity and strengthens resilience for individuals, families, and the wider community. We are grateful to all agencies and professionals involved in making this initiative possible.”
Charlene Calleja, Director of Operations and Administration for Mid-Dlam Għad-Dawl, added, “This partnership is a true milestone as it unites NGOs, the Government, and employers in a shared mission. Reintegration is not just about rehabilitation; it is about prevention, inclusion, and giving prisoners the tools to return to society with reliability and hope.”
Hon. Michael Falzon, Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, concluded, “OARS represents a significant step forward in how Malta supports reintegration. By offering structured assistance that begins in prison and continues into the community, we are empowering individuals to succeed, strengthening families, and building safer, more inclusive communities for everyone.”
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