Strategy : the setup of a secure college in Malta

Abstract

This proposal aims to review the need and requirements for the establishment of a secure college for adolescents in Malta. The need is felt for a place, where adolescents in need of control, can be educated in a safe environment that will enable their positive re-integration back into the community. These adolescents are considered as vulnerable since they tend to be exposed to a series of inherent risks directly and/or indirectly related to anti-social tendencies, non-compliant behaviour, delinquency and crime. A secure college model is one of individualised care; a closed physical setting that is safe and provides a caring environment where the offences committed by the child are addressed. Individualised care plans are developed to focus on rehabilitation, education, behavioural management and ultimately reduce the risk of re-offending. Whilst safety and security are deemed paramount in view of the needs of children who need to be physically detained, placement of children in a secure college should be used only as a last resort.