The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi has developed a model to support Emirati families on adopting children deprived of parental care. The model primarily aims to create awareness on the needs of the children and the available resources to support them in order to provide them with a decent life.
This was announced during a panel discussion organized by the department, coinciding with the World Adoption Day, which is celebrated on the ninth of November of every year in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the DCD. The importance of supporting and adopting children deprived of parental care was highlighted in order to raise awareness among community members and encourage adoption because of its major role in creating a balanced and equal environment and giving children the opportunity to live in a family setting that meets their needs and cares for them. During the discussion, Emirati women who have adopted children, shared their experiences and further highlighted the importance of adoption within our society.
Her Excellency Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector in DCD, said: “Our wise leadership has been keen to provide full support to children deprived of parental care, to find the best ways to enable them to fully integrate into the family and society in a safe and stable home environment, and to ensure the fulfillment of the department's aspirations to establish an integrated, cohesive and inclusive society for its various beneficiaries.”
H.E. Al Mulla further added: “based on DCD’s mandate and following the announcement of the establishment of the Family Care Authority, an integrated system will be developed according to best international practices and standards to organize the process of adopting children of different ages deprived of parental care, by providing the necessary support to Emirati families for adopting them especially children of determination and those aged two years and above.”
Dr Bushra indicated that the new model will focus on a several services and initiatives that support families in adapting to a family setting post adoption and the process of granting families temporary guardianship of children as a transitional stage with an option of adoption later.
The model will offer sessions such as peer-to-peer support groups so potential families could meet with other families who have had similar experiences when adopting. It will also offer preparation programs to potential adoptive parents and members of their existing family.
Over the past years, Abu Dhabi has made many achievements in providing a dignified life for all segments of society, and for children deprived of parental care, empowering them with all the rights approved by the law. These achievements are indications of development, making Abu Dhabi an excellent model in terms of development and providing a decent standard of living for all members of the community.