Child Safety Foundation Established In Sharjah To Promote Child Protection And Well-Being

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has enacted an Emiri Decree to establish the "Child Safety" institution in Sharjah. This organisation will have legal status and full authority to perform necessary actions to achieve its goals. It will be part of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, operating under its guidance.

The Foundation's mission is to position Sharjah as a leader in child protection by collaborating with relevant authorities. It aims to promote awareness about child safety, enhance children's social and psychological well-being, and ensure their mental and physical security. The Foundation also seeks to strengthen partnerships locally and internationally, advocating for children's rights to safety and justice.

H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi will lead the Foundation as Chairperson. She has the authority to appoint individuals she considers suitable for managing the Foundation and its associated entities. The official English name of the Foundation is confirmed as "Child Safety," with its main office located in Sharjah city. The Chairperson can establish additional branches or offices across the Emirate.

The decree also mandates creating a social centre called "Kanaf Child Centre," which will operate under the Foundation's supervision. This centre will offer integrated legal, psychological, and social support for children who have suffered violence or abuse. It will also conduct forensic medical examinations to document abuse cases.

To fulfil its objectives, the Foundation is empowered to develop policies, strategic plans, and programmes related to child safety. It can recommend regulations and legislation improvements concerning child protection practices. The organisation provides a supportive environment for abused children to receive comprehensive services from competent authorities in Sharjah.

The Foundation is tasked with training multidisciplinary teams through continuous education opportunities. This ensures specialised trauma recovery services are available for children and families based on best practices. Regular workshops on child safety are organised for professionals, caregivers, and parents following international standards.

Financial Resources

The financial resources of the Foundation include government allocations, self-generated revenues from official duties, investment proceeds of its funds, sponsorships aligned with its activities, and other approved resources by the Chairperson. These funds are strictly used for specified purposes with Chairperson approval.

The Foundation may enter into agreements related to child safety and seek administrative support from specialised entities within the Emirate. It can engage experts, specialists, and volunteers to aid its operations while hosting international experts to review best practices in child protection.

The Kanaf Child Centre's organisation and responsibilities are defined by a decision from the Foundation’s Director. This centre ensures proper treatment for referred cases at the Kanaf Child Centre in coordination with Sharjah authorities.

The decree empowers the Foundation to prepare policies related to child safety; submit recommendations on regulations; provide an equipped environment for abused children; coordinate with authorities on cases; train teams; organise workshops; host experts; enter agreements; seek support; engage volunteers; undertake additional responsibilities assigned by Ruler or Chairperson.

With inputs from WAM