Social services agency Appoġġ saw to more than 11,500 cases last year, according to the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) annual report.
The report also indicates that the drug and alcohol abuse agency Sedqa handled 2,884 cases in 2017, while the Home-Based Therapeutic Service – a newer service credited with the drop in care orders in recent years – dealt with 321.
Addressing a conference on the report on Wednesday, FSWS CEO Alfred Grixti said the highest number of cases continued to be seen in localities such as Valletta and Cospicua, but stressed that the rate was not significantly above the national average and that problem cases were to be found everywhere.
The 200-page report outlines the work of the various FSWS agencies and services in sectors ranging from domestic violence to child protection services, fostering and adoption.
Mr Grixti said the foundation had in the last year strengthened or inaugurated several new projects and schemes, highlighting among others the Adolescent Day Programme and collaborations with APS and Bank of Valletta on affordable home loans to help people gain independence from social housing.
He also highlighted the inauguration last…
