Family Assistance Support Scheme

The Family Assistance Support Team provides assistance to families of children with disabilities. The central goal of this service is to offer financial support, in the form of a subsidy, to enable families to employ a person of their choosing. This individual will play a vital role in helping to meet the everyday needs that arise from the specific requirements of the children with disabilities.

Through this scheme, families are supported in managing the complex and varied challenges associated with disabilities. The assistance provided aims not only to ease the daily responsibilities of care but also to enable children with disabilities to participate in social and community activities. By encouraging active involvement and inclusion, the scheme helps to promote a sense of belonging and engagement for these children within the wider community.

Alignment with International and National Principles

The Family Assistance Support Scheme is designed in accordance with the principles set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), particularly Article 19. This article highlights the right of people with disabilities to live independently and to be fully included in the community. Furthermore, the scheme upholds the objectives outlined in Malta’s National Disability Strategy, ensuring that its approach remains consistent with both international commitments and national policy.

The Family Assistance Support Scheme is open to all families who have minors with disabilities, specifically children aged 0 to 15 years. These families, referred to as the main beneficiaries, can apply for funds to employ a personal assistant who will support their children in various aspects of daily living.

The Intake Team receives and processes all intake requests by prospective service users, families, and other professionals who ask for any service within the Agency. All intakes are meticulously assessed by the Intake professionals, who will identify which service/s the individual can benefit from dependent on the needs, interests and wishes of the individual.

Following this assessment, and once eligibility is established, the team will liaise accordingly with the professionals from the Family Assistance Support Team.

Professionals in the team assess the current situation, present the case to the Board, and assist families with the necessary paperwork.

While professionals provide essential support, the scheme encourages families to gradually take control of managing their own personal assistance arrangements. This includes training and resources to help families independently recruit, supervise, and coordinate their personal assistants. The goal is to empower families to manage their own support arrangements without relying entirely on professionals. This approach fosters self-reliance and ensures that families have the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about their children’s care.

Click this link for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on this service

The application process for the Family Assistance Support Scheme is structured to ensure clarity and efficiency. The steps involved are as follows:

1. Applicant submits application

Initial application is submitted through the Intake Team.

2. Referral to Family Assistance Support Team

Intake Team forwards the referral to the Family Assistance Support Team.

3. Case allocation

Once a professional is available, the case is allocated.

4. Family Assistance Support Scheme assessment

Thorough assessment is carried out by the Family Assistance Support Team.

5. Presentation to Board

Case is presented in front of the Board for review.

6. Decision letter issued

Decision letter is issued based on the Board’s review.

7. Service agreement signed

Service agreement is signed between the beneficiary and the service provider.

8. Service initiation

Service is initiated as per the agreement.

9. Service renewal

Service is reviewed and renewed according to the beneficiary’s needs.