Sharjah shelters 1,279 kids from abuse

Sharjah - The department has been exerting all efforts to make sure that children in the emirate get to grow up in a loving, caring environment.

Over the last eight months, Sharjah’s child protection department has taken in a total of 1,279 kids who had been exposed to different kinds of abuse, authorities said on Thursday.

Under the care of the Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD), the children were provided with safe shelter, as well as counselling sessions and therapies.

The department has been exerting all efforts to make sure that children in the emirate get to study and grow up in a loving, caring environment, a top SSSD official said. Sharjah has been living up to its global recognition as a child-friendly city.

2,537 psychological services in 8 months

From January to August this year, the psychiatric clinic in the SSSD’s Department of Child Protection and Social Welfare has carried out some 2,537 sessions, providing psychological and social support to the youngsters.

Some 121 rehabilitation and therapeutic sessions were also held to counsel children and their families, the official said.

He added that 505 child rights insurance and legal support services were carried out within the same period. These included health insurance coverage; issuance of birth certificates, IDs, and new passport; registration at schools; and giving kids loving guardians and families to come home to.

The SSSD said its lines are always open to those who need help. They can be reached through the toll-free hotline 800700 or via WhatsApp platform on 0097165015995.

• Sharjah