Dubai Courts has established a specialized division for registering child protection cases within the Family Lawsuits Section of the Personal Status Department, marking a significant step forward in safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in the emirate.
This new division represents Dubai’s ongoing commitment to protecting its youngest and most vulnerable residents. By creating a dedicated system for handling child protection cases, the Dubai Courts aims to ensure that children’s rights are upheld and that they receive the protection and support they need in a timely manner.
What is the Child Protection Registration Division?
The division serves as a central entity specializing in monitoring and following up on cases of children exposed to neglect, violence, or deprivation of their basic rights. It targets children under the age of 18 who are involved in legal cases or have had court orders issued against them or their families.
The establishment of this division comes as part of Dubai’s comprehensive strategy to enhance child welfare and protection services across the emirate. By centralizing the registration and monitoring of child protection cases, authorities can better track outcomes and ensure that appropriate interventions are implemented in a timely manner.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
The Child Protection Registration Division has been tasked with several critical responsibilities that aim to streamline the handling of child protection cases and improve outcomes for affected children:
Documentation
The division documents cases electronically and follows up on their status in cooperation with strategic partners. This digital approach ensures that case information is readily accessible to authorized personnel and that nothing falls through the cracks.
Collaboration
Enhances cooperation with partner agencies to ensure comprehensive protection for children. This includes coordination with schools, healthcare providers, social services, and law enforcement to create a safety net for vulnerable children.
Training
Provides specialized training for internal staff handling child protection cases. This ensures that personnel are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to handle sensitive cases involving minors with appropriate care and expertise.
Performance Improvement
Implements clear benchmarks to continuously improve child protection services. By monitoring outcomes and gathering data on case handling, the division can identify areas for improvement and implement best practices.
Additionally, the division will be responsible for implementing the Child Protection Protocol, which outlines standardized procedures for handling cases involving minors. This protocol ensures consistency in approach and helps prevent further trauma to children who are already in vulnerable situations.
“This step is not limited to the legal aspect alone, but also represents an investment in the future of children, as they are the foundation of independent development.”
— Mohammed Al Obaidli, Executive Director of the Litigation Management Sector at Dubai Courts
Beyond Traditional Justice
The Child Protection Registration Division represents a qualitative shift in the concept of social justice in Dubai, moving beyond the traditional role of resolving disputes to become a proactive, smart system for protection and prevention, in line with Dubai Vision 2030.
This approach recognizes that children involved in legal proceedings require special consideration and protection. By establishing a dedicated division, Dubai Courts acknowledges the unique needs of minors and the importance of handling their cases with sensitivity and expertise.
The division also reflects a growing understanding that child protection is not merely about responding to incidents of abuse or neglect, but also about preventing harm before it occurs. Through early intervention and comprehensive support services, the division aims to create a safer environment for all children in Dubai.
Timeline of Child Protection Initiatives in UAE
Legal Framework for Child Protection in UAE
The establishment of the Child Protection Registration Division builds upon the UAE’s robust legal framework for child protection, which includes:
Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 (Wadeema’s Law)
Named after an eight-year-old girl who died from torture by her father and his girlfriend, this comprehensive law outlines the fundamental rights of children in the UAE and establishes mechanisms for their protection.
Key Provisions:
- Right to life and safety
- Protection from all forms of neglect, exploitation, and abuse
- Equal access to education and healthcare
- Prohibition of child employment in hazardous conditions
- Establishment of reporting mechanisms for suspected abuse
Child Protection Units
Prior to the establishment of the specialized division, the UAE had already implemented Child Protection Units within various government entities, including:
- Ministry of Interior’s Child Protection Centre
- Dubai Foundation for Women and Children
- Sharjah Social Services Department’s Child Protection Centre
- Abu Dhabi’s Family Development Foundation
The new Child Protection Registration Division will work in coordination with these existing units to ensure a comprehensive approach to child welfare.
Expected Impact on Child Welfare
The establishment of the Child Protection Registration Division is expected to have several positive impacts on child welfare in Dubai:
Reduced Processing Times
By centralizing and streamlining the handling of child protection cases, the division aims to significantly reduce the time it takes to process cases and implement protective measures.
Improved Case Tracking
The electronic documentation system will enable better tracking of cases, ensuring that no child falls through the cracks of the system.
Enhanced Coordination
Improved coordination between different agencies involved in child protection will lead to more comprehensive and effective interventions.
Data-Driven Improvements
The collection and analysis of data on child protection cases will enable authorities to identify trends and implement targeted preventive measures.
Experts in child welfare have welcomed the establishment of the division, noting that it represents a significant step forward in Dubai’s commitment to protecting its youngest residents. By addressing the specific needs of children involved in legal proceedings, the division is expected to help reduce trauma and improve outcomes for vulnerable children.
Key Takeaways
- The division targets children under 18 involved in legal cases
- Cases are documented electronically for efficient tracking
- The initiative aims to reduce harm from delayed judicial procedures
- The division represents a shift toward proactive protection systems
- This aligns with Dubai Vision 2030’s focus on social development
- The division implements the Child Protection Protocol for standardized procedures
- Enhanced coordination with strategic partners ensures comprehensive protection
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cases will the Child Protection Registration Division handle?
The division will handle cases involving children under the age of 18 who are exposed to neglect, violence, or deprivation of their basic rights. This includes cases where court orders have been issued against children or their families based on submitted petitions.
How does the electronic documentation system work?
The electronic documentation system allows for the digital recording and tracking of all aspects of a child protection case. This includes initial reports, court orders, intervention measures, and follow-up actions. The system enables authorized personnel to access case information securely and ensures that cases are monitored effectively.
Who are the strategic partners involved?
Strategic partners include various government entities such as the Ministry of Interior, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, the Community Development Authority, schools, healthcare providers, and social service organizations. These partnerships ensure a comprehensive approach to child protection that addresses all aspects of a child’s wellbeing.
How does this division align with Dubai Vision 2030?
Dubai Vision 2030 emphasizes social development and the creation of a safe, inclusive society. The Child Protection Registration Division contributes to this vision by ensuring that vulnerable children are protected and that their rights are upheld. By investing in child welfare, Dubai is investing in its future citizens and the long-term stability and prosperity of the emirate.
What training do staff members receive?
Staff members receive specialized training in child protection laws, trauma-informed care, case management, and the specific procedures outlined in the Child Protection Protocol. This training ensures that they have the knowledge and skills needed to handle sensitive cases involving minors with appropriate care and expertise.
Source: Khaleej Times