Under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness 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 a Memorandum of Understanding with four government entities in Abu Dhabi.
The agreements aim to establish the Child Center in Abu Dhabi to ensure the safety, protection, and wellbeing of every child in the emirate. The Child Center will enhance cooperation, communication, and coordination among various social sector entities, provide professional and efficient services, and govern the development of child protection policies and related standards. These efforts further strengthen existing prevention and intervention measures to protect children in Abu Dhabi following the recently launched child protection policy Dam Al Aman.
His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “The safety and wellbeing of our children are of utmost importance. The establishment of the Child Center 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. It 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 Center in Abu Dhabi will provide comprehensive services dedicated to protecting children and ensuring their rights. It will focus on caring for at-risk children and their families by nurturing their skills, capabilities, and creativity within a supportive environment. This ensures the children’s psychological and social stability and protects them from any potential harm or maltreatment. This commitment to quality upbringing ensures 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, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and Abu Dhabi Police.
The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; Her Excellency Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health; Her Excellency Sara Awad Musallam, UAE Minister of State for Early Education; Her Excellency Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Yousef Saeed Alabri, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department; Her Excellency Alia Mohammed Al Kaabi, Director of Family and Child Prosecution at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department; Her Excellency Dr Bushra Al Mulla, Director General of the Family Care Authority; Her Excellency Sana Mohamed Suhail, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority; and Her Excellency Dr Omniyat Al-Hajeri, Executive Director of the Community Health Sector at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre.
HE Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi said: “Under the directives of our wise leadership, the establishment of the Child Center 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.”
HE Dr Bushra Al Mulla, Director General of the Family Care Authority, said: "The establishment of the Child Center under the Family Care Authority marks a pivotal initiative in our strategic vision for a thriving social sector in Abu Dhabi. We understand that strong families are the foundation of a strong society, and children are our most valuable resource. This Center represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing holistic support for families in Abu Dhabi.
"The Child Center 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, including the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and Abu Dhabi Police.
“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 wellbeing 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 Center is an investment in the future of Abu Dhabi.”
According to the agreements, the Child Center in Abu Dhabi 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 Center in Abu Dhabi'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 Center in Abu Dhabi include 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 Child Center in Abu Dhabi will facilitate seamless coordination of child protection cases among various entities, meeting the needs of vulnerable children and their families throughout their recovery journey.
The establishment of the Child Center in Abu Dhabi under the Family Care Authority marks a significant milestone in the emirate’s efforts to maintain a safe and nurturing environment for all children. It demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s unwavering commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens and investing in their future.
