The Dubai Community Development Authority (CDA) is making significant strides in enhancing the alternative care system in Dubai through its recent meeting of the foster families committee. This gathering underscores the critical importance of ensuring safe and stable family environments for children in need. By fostering inter-agency coordination, the CDA aims to improve the quality of alternative care across the emirate, thereby creating a more supportive community for children to thrive.
Strengthening Inter-Agency Coordination
Dubai has organized its third meeting of the foster families committee, comprising representatives from various governmental entities. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to bolster the alternative care system in the emirate and enhance coordination to provide secure and stable family environments for children. The committee plays a vital role in reviewing foster care applications, ensuring compliance with approved requirements, and issuing placement decisions. Additionally, it conducts ongoing follow-ups to support the stability and development of children in foster care environments.
All of this is done within a comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework governing alternative care in the UAE, aimed at improving the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of social services.
A Collaborative Approach
The meeting witnessed participation from key representatives, including the General Command of the Dubai Police, Dubai Health Authority, Ministry of Education, Public Prosecution in Dubai, and Dubai Foundation for Women and Children. This level of collaboration underscores a high degree of institutional coordination across the sector.
The agenda commenced with a keynote address by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Hammadi, Chairman of the Foster Families Committee, who welcomed attendees and praised their active participation. He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in further developing the alternative care system. The meeting also included a review of the committee’s 2026 report, discussions on key challenges and opportunities, and exchanges on improving operational processes aligned with best practices.
Commitment to Family Stability
Mithaa Al-Shamsi, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment Sector, noted that strengthening the alternative family care system aligns with Dubai’s social vision of building a more cohesive and empowered community. She highlighted support for the “Year of Family” objectives by fostering family stability and enhancing its role in social development. Al-Shamsi added that developing integrated care policies and programs, along with fostering collaboration among stakeholders, contributes to improving social service quality and ensuring a safe and stable environment for children. This environment allows them to integrate and develop healthily within sustainable foster families.
Quality Decisions and Long-term Support
Dr. Al-Hammadi, who is also the Director of the Care and Rehabilitation Department, affirmed that the CDA continues to enhance an integrated alternative family care system based on efficient inter-agency coordination and procedural efficiency. He stressed that the focus remains on making timely, high-quality decisions that uphold the well-being and stability of children. The Foster Families Committee serves as a central platform for aligning roles and efforts among partner entities, enhancing service quality, empowering foster families, and supporting the long-term stability and integration of children in nurturing family settings.
The meeting concluded by honoring the participating entities and committee members for their contributions to the committee’s work and institutional collaboration. This was followed by a tour of the Family Village.
This gathering signifies the CDA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the alternative family care system in Dubai, fostering partnerships among relevant entities, and supporting a safe and stable environment for children as part of broader social development goals in the emirate.