Dubai strengthens child welfare and family wellbeing with new protection framework

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai has recently made an important move to improve child welfare and family wellbeing with the launch of the Dubai Child Protection Framework. This new plan shows how much the city cares about creating safer, healthier, and more supportive communities. The main goal is to focus on the well-being of children while supporting families. This announcement was made as part of the Year of Community and was approved by the Executive Council of Dubai in February. The council is led by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE.

The Child Protection Framework also fits with Dubai’s Social Agenda 33, which was introduced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This agenda focuses on the idea that “Family: The Foundation of Our Nation.” The new framework aims to make sure every child in Dubai is protected, supported, and given the best chances to succeed. It is a carefully planned set of actions that prioritize the welfare and development of children while recognizing that families play the most important role in raising and protecting them. It also calls for shared responsibility between parents, communities, and institutions, with a focus on working together to create a strong and lasting child protection system.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel  

The Framework is built on important principles that put the child’s safety, well-being, and development first. It highlights the role of the family as the most important part of child welfare. The plan encourages parents, professionals, and the wider community to work together to ensure children’s safety and well-being. The government is also working to make sure all their efforts are connected and effective. The aim is to support early action to prevent problems before they happen, giving parents, professionals, and communities the tools they need to spot and fix risks early on.

The Dubai Child Protection Framework takes a complete approach, considering the needs of children, teenagers, and young adults at all stages of their growth. The plan covers everything from prenatal care (before birth) to young adulthood, up to the age of 21. It ensures that children have the help they need throughout their lives, including access to essential services. This includes providing care for mothers and newborns, ensuring quality healthcare and early childhood services, and offering support throughout the school years, focusing on healthcare, education, and social well-being. The framework also takes special care of teenagers by addressing important issues such as mental health, education, and career readiness. Furthermore, it provides specialized training for parents, including advice on parenting and pre-marital counseling, to help families create nurturing environments at home.

The Dubai Child Protection Framework is supported by several strategic actions, including the Dubai Child Protection Protocol. This protocol sets up a well-organized system for managing social cases. It also includes training programs that help social workers and professionals working in child welfare to improve their skills. These professionals will be better equipped to support children and families in need. In line with Dubai's push for digital progress, the framework supports the automation and integration of child protection services, making them easier to access and more efficient. In addition, legal reforms are underway to strengthen the rules and ensure that child welfare policies follow the best practices and remain strong and up-to-date.

The success of the framework depends on the teamwork of many important government agencies, including the Community Development Authority, Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Public Prosecution, Dubai Courts, the Supreme Legislation Committee, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Erada Center, Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Digital Dubai Authority, and Dubai Sports Council. In addition to government bodies, the framework works with a wide range of professionals and service providers, such as teachers, doctors, social workers, non-profit groups, volunteers, and organizations that support children with special needs. This coordinated approach helps to ensure that child protection efforts are well-managed and that legal responsibilities are understood and followed.

An important part of the Dubai Child Protection Framework is its focus on improving the skills of the people who work in child welfare. Through targeted training programs, the framework helps workers develop the skills they need to effectively identify, respond to, and manage child protection concerns. These training programs are also key to raising awareness about child welfare and improving the quality of services across Dubai.

With the launch of the Dubai Child Protection Framework, Dubai is showing its commitment to creating a united, inclusive, and future-ready society. This initiative marks a major step forward in protecting children, empowering families, and supporting the city’s long-term social development. With a strong focus on teamwork, integration, and shared responsibility, the framework ensures that every child in Dubai has access to the protection, care, and opportunities they need to succeed. It sets a positive example of how governments, communities, and organizations can work together to build a safer, more supportive environment for future generations.