Reception Centres

A reception centre plays a vital role in reception management by providing accommodation and enabling service users to access essential mainstream services, including free healthcare and education.

TYPOLOGIES

Three models of open centres exist:

  1. Government-Run Centers: Open centres managed directly by the government.
  2. Subcontracted Centres: Government-owned centres where daily operations are subcontracted to a third party.
  3. Privately-Run Centers: Open centres operated privately but receiving financial assistance from the government.

Currently, 2,200 beds are available across these centres.

Centres are designed to accommodate specific client groups as much as possible, including:

  • Single males or single females.
  • Families.
  • Unaccompanied minor asylum seekers (UMAS).
  • Special Needs and LGBTIQ community

 

INITIAL RECEPTION CENTRES (IRC)

Earlier this year, AWAS began operating an IRC at Ħal Far. This initiative aligns with the government’s policy of not detaining minors. Upon arrival, service users undergo:

After these procedures, they are transferred to an open centre.

PERSONS WITH SPECIAL RECEPTION NEEDS

AWAS is tasked with implementing government policy for individuals with special reception needs, often referred to as vulnerable persons. Current operations include:

  1. For Adults:
  • The Adult Referral Assessment Tool, a comprehensive assessment process emphasizing resilience rather than vulnerability.

      2. For Minors:

  • The Age Assessment Team and other services tailored to the needs of minors.

SERVICES TO UMAS

AWAS provides the following services to UMAS:

  • Age Assessment Team: Recognized for significant improvements in quality and efficiency (NGO Statement, June 20, 2014).
  • Care Order Regime: Governed by both the Children and Young Person Advisory Board. and Child Protection Service (CPS)
  • Accommodation: Dedicated housing arrangements for UMAS.
  • Care Team: Specialized staff focused on minors’ welfare.
  • Regulation: Oversight by the Department of Social Welfare Standards.
 

PRE-INTEGRATION

As part of its pre-integration mandate, AWAS conducts information sessions for open centre residents on various topics, including:

  • Legal Assistance
  • Asylum Process
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Health
  • Housing
  • Specialized Skills: Social skills, budgeting, and hygiene,
  • Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR)