The Department of Family Studies within the Faculty for Social Wellbeing of the University of Malta is a leading participant in the country’s implementation of the Positive Parenting National Strategic Policy, with one of its members, Prof. Angela Abela having presented a major research project related to the support of parents during the perinatal service, this morning.

Throughout the year 2020, task force members for the Positive Parenting strategy were in constant discussion with professionals within the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, midwifes, Perinatal Mental Health Service and others, to understand how best to roll out the study, which assesses the needs of new parents.

The pilot project focuses on mental health support for parents and the relationship between them.

The Department of Family Studies at the University of Malta, together with these professionals, will be studying the efficacy of these measures.

The study is being led by UM in collaboration with the Ministry for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights and the Ministry for Health. It will be carried out with professionals on the ground within the Perinatal Mental Health Service.

The video above, which features first-hand experiences by new parents, gives further detail about the project.