Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517916
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 MARCH 2024 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION The Social Care Standards Authority, also knows as SCSA is a regulatory body entrusted with overseeing the quality and standards of social care services in our society. SCSA has been at the forefront of ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the care and support they need, whilst also ensuring that the service providers are regulated as per the current standards set in place. In a significant development within the realm of social care services, SC- SA has undergone a change in lead- ership with the appointment of Ms. Ruth Sciberras as its new Chief Exec- utive Officer (CEO). Taking the helm in January, Ruth brings with her a wealth of experience and a vision to uphold the standards and efficancy of social care services across various sectors. Another recent change which the Authority has seen over the past couple of months is that services for older persons no longer fall under the Authority's remit. The core functions of the SCSA re- main centered on maintaining and enforcing standards within crucial areas of social care. Among these functions, licensing for service pro- viders plays a pivotal role. The SCSA oversees the licensing process for over 240 service providers, ranging from those catering to children and persons with disabilities to facilities supporting individuals struggling with substance abuse issues. Additionally, licensing for shelters dedicated to victims of domestic violence also fall within the remit of SCSA. As per the Social Care Standards Authority Act, an individual must obtain a licence from SCSA in order to conduct social welfare services in Malta. The Licencing Office within SCSA is in charge of receiving, not- ing, and reviewing licence applica- tions for social welfare services. Following the issue of a licens to a service provider, the Inspectorate Office, in accordance with Social Care Standards Authority Act of 2018 Chapter 582, watch over and inspects the social service provid- ers. It seeks to collaborate with service providers to guarantee that people utilising social welfare services receive high-quality, safe care that complies with the SCSA Act and any other applicable laws or regulations. Such inspections can be done announced or unan- nounced, through various tools such as questionnaires & checklists and sometimes interviews to both the service providers as well as the service users. SCSA is poised to not only uphold existing standards but also adapt to emerging challenges and evolv- ing needs within the social care landscape. With a commitment to collaborations with stakeholders, transparency, and innovation, the Authority aims to enhance the quality of care provided to vulnera- ble individuals while ensuring that service providers adhere to stand- ards of excellence. Falling under the remit of SCSA is also the Central Authority for Malta, which is responsible for adoption, cross-border child abduction & access, cross-border protection of children, fostering including cross-border fostering & cross-bor- der family maintenance obligations. The Central Authority of Malta col- laborates closely with other Central Authorities, and they are directed by the relevant EU Regulations, international conventions, and local legislation. These Central Author- ities handle the numerous local organisations and parties involved in their primary responsibilities on a national level. In instances where a child is un- lawfully removed from Malta or retained in another country, the SCSA serves as the primary point of contact for coordinating and facilitating the return of the child to their country of habitual residence, in accordance with internation- al conventions and treaties. The Central Authority for Malta is also responsible for cross-border fos- tering arrangements. Recognizing the complexities involved in such cases, the Authority works closely with relevant stakeholders, both within Malta and abroad, to facili- tate smooth transitions and provide ongoing support to children and families involved in cross-border fostering placements. Whilst the efforts of SCSA may not always receive public recognition, the impact of their work is signifi- cant in ensuring that service provid- ers meet their obligations and that individuals receiving care receive the support and services they need to live fulfilling lives. At SCSA we encourage feedback and actively work to resolve issues to continue improvement and ensure that service providers meet the needs of their users. Anyone wishing to contribute any type of feedback or concern about a service you, your relatives or friends are receiving can do so by e-mailing us on feedback.scsa@gov.mt For further information about our services, one can e-mail on info.scsa@ gov.mt or call us on 25903400. Unmasking SCSA: Understanding the Mystery Figure SCSA's new CEO Ruth Sciberras