Abu Dhabi Licenses Foster Families Association

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi has officially granted a licence to the Foster Families Association, recognising it as a public benefit organisation in the emirate.

The newly licensed association will function as a community-led initiative aimed at promoting a culture of family fostering. Its core mission is to provide children in care with safe, stable, and nurturing family environments that support their overall development and well-being.

This move reflects DCD’s continued commitment to strengthening Emirati family structures and reinforcing values such as social cohesion and community solidarity. It also aligns with broader national priorities to build an integrated and sustainable foster care ecosystem by enhancing collaboration with government entities and specialised organisations in psychological, social, and educational sectors.

Mubarak Al Ameri, Executive Director of the Social Licensing and Control Sector at DCD, stated that licensing the association falls within the department’s mandate to regulate and oversee public benefit organisations across the emirate. He emphasised that enabling specialised entities to operate within a structured regulatory framework helps improve the quality of social services while supporting family stability.

Al Ameri further noted that the initiative marks an important step in advancing Abu Dhabi’s foster care system. By raising awareness and offering targeted support to foster families, the association will play a key role in ensuring children in care grow up in supportive and secure family environments, facilitating their healthy development and integration into society.

Huda Al Meshjari, Founding Member of the Foster Families Association, highlighted the importance of community awareness regarding the rights of children in foster care. She stressed that informed and engaged communities are essential to delivering child-centred care that meets diverse needs while safeguarding children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Looking ahead, the association plans to organise specialised training programmes, workshops, and awareness campaigns to educate families about their roles and responsibilities in fostering. It will also share success stories of foster families to inspire confidence in the system and encourage wider community participation.

The licensing of the Foster Families Association is expected to significantly enhance the foster care landscape in Abu Dhabi, ensuring better support systems for both children and families while promoting long-term social well-being.