Social welfare services may be provided through an emergency licence for this purpose, which would be granted by the Social Care Standards Authority. This emergency licence may also include the provision of a number of beds at a facility. The maximum period for which this emergency licence will be issued is that of 6 months but can be withdrawn or renewed, according to the circumstances.

http://www.justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lp&itemid;=30000&l;=1