This article from MaltaToday offers a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of foster care in Malta, using the example of urgent, late-night placements to illustrate the system’s challenges. It follows the work of child protection services, where professionals may receive emergency calls—sometimes in the middle of the night—to quickly find safe homes for young children removed from their families due to neglect, abuse, or other complex circumstances. The piece highlights both the critical role foster families play and the ongoing shortage of carers, emphasizing that while foster care is the primary alternative to institutional placement, demand consistently exceeds supply. Overall, the article sheds light on the pressures, emotional weight, and importance of strengthening foster care systems to ensure children can grow up in safe, supportive family environments.