An evaluation of drug aftercare services in Malta

Abstract

This research aims at evaluating the effectiveness of the Aftercare service that is being delivered by the two main agencies in Malta - Caritas (Malta) and sedqa, which will be determined from the responses given by the participants in this study. Although neither Caritas (Malta) nor sedqa currently have an Aftercare service that is specifically delivered to relatives of ex-drug users, the service delivered to the partners will be evaluated as well. In the final chapter, conclusions are delivered indicating the participants' views on the effectiveness of the Aftercare services. In line with the analysis and conclusions derived, recommendations on ways to improve the Aftercare service of both agencies are presented. The participants in the two samples showed an overall satisfaction with the Aftercare service that was offered by both agencies. The same can be said about the two relatives from sedqa, who showed a general satisfaction in the service they received. However, three from the four partners from Caritas (Malta) were satisfied with the service they received. According to the other participant, she was never involved in what was happening to her partner. It can be concluded that both agencies achieved their main aims and were effective in their delivery of the Aftercare service. This can also be applied to the service offered to the relatives from sedqt1. According to the latter participants, they were involved in what was going on with their partners. On the other hand, given that one relative from Caritas iv (Malta) was not satisfied with the service received, it can be concluded that this service was effective to the majority of the sample. Another conclusion drawn was that the role of social work within the Aftercare service is not clearly defined and still has a long way to go before it is integrated within this service. The main recommendation for sedqa was to continue delivering its Aftercare service, given that it is currently not functioning. For Caritas (Malta), the main recommendation was for service users of Aftercare to be advised against drinking alcohol and that there will be an increase in information regarding alcohol abuse. A recommendation that was reported by both partners in the sample from sedqa was to introduce an additional Aftercare service for parents and partners of ex-drug users. This was also reported by the majority of partners from Caritas (Malta).