New Initiative Introduces Proactive Child Welfare Services and Legislative Reforms
Pavitra Shetty
Published on February 7, 2025, 19:34:27
Dubai has taken a major step toward child welfare enhancement by approving the Dubai Child Protection Protocol, a multi-stage framework designed to provide comprehensive support from birth to youth.
The newly approved protocol prioritizes a holistic strategy with a strong emphasis on family support, social worker training, and legislative reforms to enhance governance. This initiative ensures that child protection measures are proactive rather than reactive, addressing potential risks before they escalate.
The protocol will cover every stage of a child's growth, starting from prenatal care and birth registration to educational support, youth development, and pre-marital counseling. The goal is to create a well-structured, seamless framework that ensures children receive necessary support at every phase of their lives.
To ensure effective implementation, the initiative will be coordinated among multiple government agencies, including:
Dubai Police
Community Development Authority
Dubai Public Prosecution
Dubai Courts
Specialized child welfare teams
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, emphasized that these initiatives reflect Dubai’s commitment to building an inclusive, resilient, and future-ready society. He further highlighted efforts to improve social development benchmarks, quality of life, and digitalisation strategies.
In addition to this protocol, the UAE introduced a modernized family law in January, bringing significant amendments to child custody, financial rights, and educational guardianship. Key highlights include:
Children aged 15 can now choose which parent they wish to live with, provided the court deems it in their best interest.
In cases involving children with severe medical or psychological conditions, custody will default to the mother unless the court determines a better arrangement.
Dubai’s latest reforms are a testament to the government’s dedication to ensuring child welfare, empowering families, and modernizing legal frameworks. By integrating proactive governance, structured support systems, and digital advancements, the city aims to create a safer, more inclusive environment for future generations.
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