Abu Dhabi: The Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi (DCD), in cooperation with the Family Care Authority (FCA), organised a joint media engagement event to highlight the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy and shed light on the role of the authority.
The joint media engagement event was attended by Eng. Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of DCD, Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Director General of the Family Care Authority, alongside several prominent leaders from both organisations.
The event brought to light a range of services provided by the FCA, including social and psychological counselling, integration programmes, support for caregivers, emergency support and temporary shelters. These services address various social cases, including family disputes and social challenges faced by children, juveniles and vulnerable groups. It was also announced that a new call centre would receive reports in this context. Cases can be reported by calling 800444.
Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the DCD, emphasised the unwavering commitment of the leadership to ensure a high quality of life for citizens and resident families. He also underlined the importance placed on families being given care and attention as they are the nucleus of society, and highlighted the leadership’s continuous efforts to address the aspirations and needs of individuals.
Pillar of sustainable development
Dr. Mugheer underscored that families are the foundation of society and a pillar of sustainable development, and this was what inspired the creation of the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy, which was adopted by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, headed by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council. The strategy was launched by the DCD with the aim of enhancing the overall quality of life within society and exemplifies the department’s role as a regulator of the social sector.
Dr. Mugheer said: “The strategy includes a range of initiatives and programmes that are designed to address the needs of youth, family, and the elderly, and will be implemented in cooperation with our esteemed partners. The strategy’s goal is to make a social impact by enhancing the quality of life of community members, promoting stronger family cohesion, and continuing to enhance the well-being of the elderly. Additionally, it will also help support young people about to get married, and provide them with the necessary skills needed to establish successful future families.”
Eng. Al Dhaheri said Abu Dhabi is keen to enhance the quality of life of the community and to continue to raise their living standards.
The official said that Abu Dhabi’s Family wellbeing Strategy and its qualitative programmes and initiatives serve the individual and the family’s quality of life and highlighted the importance of the strategy launched last July in consolidating the educational role of parents and enhancing the quality of life of the elderly and supporting the youth.
He also highlighted the importance of the role played by the Family Care Authority in supporting the strategic goals of enhancing the family wellbeing. The Department of Community Development will continue to work with all partners and through various initiatives and strategies to serve individuals and families and achieve their aspirations.
Dr. Bushra said: “The Family Care Authority’s advanced services are considered a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing the well-being of families in Abu Dhabi. By recognising the different stages of life and prioritising families’ diverse requirements and needs, the FCA aims to deliver consolidated specialised services through its direct contact number, serving as a single point of contact for all needs. The mission of the FCA is to provide fully encompassing services to family-care beneficiaries, empower socially vulnerable families, children, and youth, in coordination with all social entities.
“Through collaboration with our stakeholders, coordination with private, public and social sector entities, and constant innovation, the FCA will strive to strengthen family bonds, promote social cohesion, and improve the overall quality of life for individuals across Abu Dhabi. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and setting a global standard for family care.”