Abu dhabi: The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi has granted a licence to the Foster Families Association to operate as a public benefit organisation in the emirate. The association will function as a community-driven entity dedicated to fostering a culture of family fostering and providing a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for children.
According to Emirates News Agency, this licence underscores DCD's commitment to advancing national priorities aimed at strengthening Emirati families and embedding the values of social cohesion and solidarity. It also supports the development of an integrated ecosystem for foster family care by enhancing collaboration with government entities and specialised organisations in the psychological, social, and educational fields.
Mubarak Al Ameri, Executive Director of the Social Licensing and Control Sector at the DCD, stated that licensing the Foster Families Association falls within DCD's regulatory and supervisory mandate to oversee public benefit organisations in the emirate. He highlighted that empowering specialised entities within a robust regulatory environment enhances the quality of social services, while reinforcing family stability and social cohesion across Abu Dhabi.
Al Ameri further noted that this licence marks a milestone in advancing the foster care ecosystem in Abu Dhabi by enabling specialised organisations to play a key role in raising awareness of family fostering and providing necessary support to foster families. These efforts contribute to ensuring a safe and supportive family environment for children in care, promoting their healthy development and integration into society.
Huda Al Meshjari, Founding Member of the Foster Families Association, emphasized that raising community awareness of the rights of children in foster care is critical for ensuring comprehensive, child-centred care that meets their needs while maintaining protection measures against any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Al Meshjari added that the association aims to deepen a culture of family fostering through specialised training programmes, workshops, and initiatives that outline the rights, duties, and responsibilities of foster families. The association will also highlight successful family fostering stories that have positively impacted the lives of fostered children.