Doctoral thesis entitled: Child Protection Programs in the United Arab Emirates
The study focuses on identifying child protection programs provided in the United Arab Emirates through two main types of programs targeting this age group: preventive programs and therapeutic programs. This was achieved through content analysis and by examining the mechanisms for implementing and evaluating preventive programs and their classifications through interviews with program officials and experts working in social institutions.
In addition, the study identified the classifications and types of therapeutic programs offered in shelter institutions by examining a sample of registered cases through a review of their case files in coordination with case managers, in order to determine the therapeutic programs provided to them.
The findings of the study revealed that there are six (6) local and federal social institutions that provide preventive and therapeutic social programs within a clear annual plan based on well‑studied scientific foundations and delivered by a group of specialists in the social and psychological fields.
These six social institutions offer preventive programs through several methods, the most important of which include storytelling workshops, awareness lectures, and interactive workshops. The areas of awareness covered are diverse and include raising children’s awareness of their rights, educating them on how to protect themselves in cases of abuse, and informing them about reporting channels.
Regarding therapeutic programs, the number of specialized programs provided to children who are victims of violence reached seven (7) programs, offered to cases to eliminate the effects of abuse and facilitate their reintegration into society. These programs are provided by Dubai Foundation for Women and Children in the Emirate of Dubai and the Sharjah Social Services Department in the Emirate of Sharjah. These are residential social institutions that deliver their services through qualified specialists trained to implement such programs.
The study adopted a qualitative research methodology to identify preventive programs provided to children. The study sample consisted of 23 preventive programs and 7 therapeutic programs provided to individual cases residing in shelter homes who had been subjected to abuse and violence.
It is noteworthy that, despite the multiplicity of reporting channels within the state, all of them operate under a clear plan for responding to received reports. Furthermore, they function through a network of institutional partnerships that allow case referrals among institutions according to the jurisdiction of each emirate.
The study recommended the importance of activating knowledge exchange among various institutions in the country to enhance preventive and therapeutic programs in institutions that do not currently provide such services. It also emphasized the importance of developing child preventive programs through technology to keep pace with the modern era and its requirements. Moreover, the study highlighted the need to design programs targeting other groups within society, such as persons with disabilities and non‑native language speakers.
Keywords:
Child – Child Protection – Social Institution – Preventive Program – Therapeutic Program
