Government must seriously address 'disastrous situation' at the CDAU, PN says
The Child Development Assessment Unit (CDAU), a key department for child development in our country, currently operates from an old and neglected building at the former St. Luke's Hospital.Despite over 4,000 children relying on the various services p
The Child Development Assessment Unit (CDAU), a key department for child development in our country, currently operates from an old and neglected building at the former St. Luke's Hospital.
Despite over 4,000 children relying on the various services provided by this unit, the clinic does not offer an environment suitable for these vulnerable children. Therefore, investment is needed both in the facility where these services are delivered and in the professionals who provide the various therapies these children require.
This appeal was made during a press conference held by the Partit Nazzjonalista this morning in front of the CDAU, coinciding with World Children's Day 2024. The conference was addressed by Shadow Minister for Equality, Civil Liberties and Children's Rights Graziella Attard Previ; Shadow Minister for Health Adrian Delia; and Shadow Minister for Social and Affordable Housing, Pensions and the Fight Against Poverty Ivan Bartolo.
On this occasion, the Partit Nazzjonalista salutes and congratulates all the children in our country, as well as those who care for them. Our children are our future, and cherishing them means cherishing our country. The PN remains committed to investing in our children because it believes this is their right. As the global celebration's theme this year revolves around children's rights, the PN assures that these rights will be prioritised.
In light of children's right to the best environment and care, enabling them to develop and reach their full potential, the PN spokespersons emphasised the need for the CDAU's building to receive immediate attention from the government.
Graziella Attard Previ explained how the CDAU is where the youngest children, especially those in need of help during the crucial first five years of their lives, are assessed. These children often face learning and/or developmental challenges. Such assessments are critical in determining the best plan for their development, and these children deserve the best possible environment - not a neglected building with a malfunctioning lift and unpleasant surroundings. She stressed that the Government should not attempt patchwork fixes; the current CDAU building must be replaced - temporary solutions are not an option.
Moreover, there are currently long waiting times for children to see a psychologist and receive the necessary report to secure the help they need in class. There are also difficulties in providing consistent therapy sessions, whether from speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, or physiotherapists. Appointments are infrequent, and sometimes even cancelled, all to the detriment of the children's development. Parents often have no choice but to seek private therapy. Despite all this, the Government remains indifferent.
Shadow Minister Graziella Attard Previ also criticised the Government for introducing new criteria within the CDAU, supposedly to reduce waiting lists, and appealed for the acute shortage of psychologists in this field to be addressed.
Shadow Minister Adrian Delia stated that children are our most precious asset, and a society that neglects its youngest is one that is failing. He explained that studies show the first four years of a child's life are critical for their mental development, as this formative period influences their entire life. A warm home environment and familial love are the ingredients for healthy development in young children, and where these are lacking, society must provide alternatives.
A nurturing environment, welcoming buildings, and suitable spaces are essential to creating the best atmosphere for children, offering them comfort and reassurance. Despite claims to the contrary, the reality is that in this area, we remain significantly behind due to the lack of necessary investment to support those who cannot fend for themselves.
Shadow Minister Ivan Bartolo spoke about child poverty, noting that despite economic growth in recent years, there has been an increase in the Social Gap. This social divide is leading to a rise in the number of families depending on food banks and soup kitchens, as well as an increase in homelessness due to reasons such as domestic violence, financial problems, and mental health issues. The situation is even worse for those reliant on social benefits and renting accommodation. In such cases, children suffer the most, often becoming nomads moving from place to place.
While there is a long waiting list for social housing assistance, there are also children living in garages because their parents cannot afford the high rents. The solution lies in prioritising education to break the cycle of poverty within families that have fallen behind in life and ensuring that these individuals are not exploited. Eradicating poverty is the responsibility of politicians, concluded Ivan Bartolo, adding that without immediate action, we will see poverty continue to rise in the near future.
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