Abu Dhabi: Child protection committee launched

Abu Dhabi - The committee will provide support, care, and attention to children and their families.

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Ismail Sebugwaawo

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(Wam file photo used for illustrative purpose only)
(Wam file photo used for illustrative purpose only)

Published: Mon 15 Mar 2021, 8:00 PM

Last updated: Mon 15 Mar 2021, 8:06 PM

A child and family protection committee was launched by Abu Dhabi as the nation marked ‘Emirati Children’s Day’ on Monday.

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Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Executive Director of Community Development Sector at Department of Community Development (DCD) and head of Family and Child Protection Committee, said the committee will provide support, care, and adequate attention to children and their families and ensure their rights are protected.

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“The new initiative aims to help the department jointly work with relevant authorities to review the current family and child protection system, identify the required enablers to boost the effectiveness, quality and efficiency of this system, and strengthen coordination between all concerned parties to make necessary recommendations related to urgent and serious social cases,” she said.

Tasks

Al Mulla said the committee’s tasks will include conducting a comprehensive periodic evaluation of the Abu Dhabi’s family and child protection system; identify all measures taken to support this system; analyse current gaps, weaknesses, and challenges; and develop recommendations to address arising issues. It will also be responsible for reviewing social cases in the emirate and discussing social trends that would be informed to the community through public and media awareness campaigns.

The committee will create action plans and submit proposals focused on ways to improve the existing family and child protection frameworks. It will also prepare annual reports that include recommendations on how to improve the processes in social case management and supervision and how to address the most serious, sensitive and complex situations.

“The committee is in line with DCD’s commitment and belief that children play a significant role in the society,” Al Mulla added.

Eng, Thamer Rashed Al Qasemi, Acting Executive Director of Special Projects and Outreach at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) and Deputy Head of the Committee, said: “In line with our keenness to broaden the capabilities of our partners to support holistic child development, ECA is working on ensuring children’s safety and protection. This can be done by raising awareness about abuse and neglect, improving ECD workforce capabilities, enhancing child protection policies, and advocating children’s rights.”

Al Qasemi emphasized the committee’s role in bringing together relevant stakeholders to foster child protection and family support programs, elevating the role of family and community members in promoting holistic children development, and help creating a stable and safe home environment for children.

In addition to standardizing child and family protection policies for the child’s best interests, the committee encourages parents and caregivers’ engagement in nurturing their children, promoting their well-being and developing their skills, Al Qasemi said.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com


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