Sharjah24 - WAM: Under the patronage and in the presence of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), the Family Care Authority has signed service level agreements and Memorandum of Understanding with four government entities in Abu Dhabi.
The agreements aim to ensure the safety, protection, and well-being of every child in Abu Dhabi. This vital move will enhance cooperation, communication, and coordination among various social sector entities, provide professional and highly efficient services, and govern the development of child protection policies and related standards.
These efforts are part of strengthening prevention and intervention measures to protect children in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi following the recently launched Child Protection Policy "Dam Al Aman".
Sheikh Theyab strongly supported this groundbreaking initiative, stating, "The safety and well-being of our children are of utmost importance. The establishment of the Child Centre (CC) is the result of the forward-looking vision of our wise leadership in creating a suitable environment for children's development and the collaborative efforts between various entities in Abu Dhabi, coming together to create a comprehensive approach to child protective services in the Emirate.
"This initiative aims to enhance the child protection system in the Emirate and raise community awareness about the importance of child protection, ensures the upbringing of conscious generations capable of contributing to societal progress and development by protecting the best interests of the child, ensures their security and stability, and enhances their awareness of their heritage, values, and principles ingrained in their society."
The Child Centre will provide comprehensive services that protect children and ensure their rights. It will focus on caring for at-risk children and their families by nurturing their skills, capabilities, and creativity within a sustainable environment. This ensures their psychological and social stability and protects them from any potential harm or maltreatment. This commitment to proper upbringing ensures that children are surrounded by care, protection, and attention.
The signing parties included the Family Care Authority, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and Abu Dhabi Police.
The ceremony was attended by Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology; Sara Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education; Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development (DCD); Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of the DoH; Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Director-General of the Family Care Authority; Alya Mohammed Al Kaabi, Head of the Family and Child Prosecution at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department; and Sana Mohamed Suhail, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, among others.
Dr. Al Ghaithi said, "Under the directives of our wise leadership, the establishment of the Child Centre reflects our commitment to ensuring the health and safety of Abu Dhabi's children while providing them with a healthy and positive upbringing. The Department remains dedicated to providing the children of the community with the highest quality of healthcare services that meet their evolving needs, prioritising early detection and intervention strategies."
Dr. Al Mulla stated, "The Child Centre serves as a beacon of integrated care, offering a wide range of services under one roof, with a focus on child protection, early care, education, health, and family support through coordination among various social and government entities."
She added, "Together, we foster collaboration and unity, coming together to establish a centralised point for families to access the services they need when they need them most. This strategic investment in our children's well-being extends beyond immediate needs, laying the groundwork for a future generation of well-equipped, resilient individuals who will positively contribute to our society. The Child Centre is not just a centre; it's an investment in the future of Abu Dhabi."
According to the agreements, the Centre will be operated by the Family Care Authority through the adoption of a series of measures aimed at protecting children and will work in partnership with various governmental and community entities to ensure the welfare of children in a safe and stable environment that respects their rights and understands their needs. This will be carried out within a unified and integrated system, enabling early detection and intervention to support at-risk children and families.
The Child Centre's efforts will also focus on raising community awareness about all forms of maltreatment, its dangers and reporting methods, enhancing family cohesion and ensuring child safety.
The range of services to be provided at the Child Centre includes case coordination and management, investigative interviews, social and psychological interventions, medical examinations when deemed necessary, and other support services.
Through the services of a professional multidisciplinary team, the Centre will facilitate and ensure seamless coordination of child protection cases among the various entities represented therein, meeting the needs of vulnerable children and their families throughout their recovery journey.
The establishment of the Family Care Authority Child Centre marks a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi's efforts to maintain a safe and nurturing environment for all children. It demonstrates the Emirate's unwavering commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens and investing in their future.
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