Latest news with #SocialServicesDepartment
Sharjah 24
14-05-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
Launching 15th Social Work Conference
Addressing Challenges During the opening speech, Ahmed Ibrahim Al Meal, Head of the Social Services Department in Sharjah, expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his comprehensive social care that has made Sharjah a beacon of sustainable social development. He emphasised that the conference extends the vision of Sharjah, which prioritises human development and aims to build a safe community and cohesive family. Modern Policies Discussed He highlighted the importance of addressing family challenges using innovative mechanisms that keep pace with technological advancements, noting that the family is the cornerstone of stable societies. The conference aims to discuss modern policies, enhance community awareness, and utilize technology and artificial intelligence to serve social work and achieve family cohesion. Technology in Focus The conference included six working papers that highlighted the significance of investing in modern technology to address social issues. Dr. Amani Mohammed Al Mehairi, Executive Director of Artificial Intelligence at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, presented the first paper on "Developing Social Monitoring Tools," emphasising the role of AI in improving quality of life, particularly in healthcare for the elderly. Data Accuracy Importance Dr. Engineer Kamal Abdul Aziz Mousa, an expert in urban observatories from Saudi Arabia, discussed the role of family observatories in supporting social policies and providing accurate data for decision-makers. He highlighted the importance of measuring performance in family development across various sectors and identifying urgent community issues. Measuring Social Impact Dr. Aisha Al Bousmit, an expert in international relations, presented a paper titled "Developing Tools to Measure Social Impact," focusing on the need for effective measures to assess social impact in line with the UAE Vision 2031, which contributes to enhancing social programs and policies. Future of Social Work The third paper, titled "The Future of Social Work in Light of Artificial Intelligence," was presented by Ahmed Mohammed Bou Haza'a, an executive and leadership coach from Bahrain. He pointed out the main challenges facing the sector, such as lack of transparency and high costs, and stressed the need for innovative solutions to complex issues like poverty, aging, and disability. Mental Health Discussion Dr. Abdullah bin Mabrouk Al Harithi, a senior social worker and addiction specialist, discussed the influence of mental health on family stability in his paper "Mental Health, Family Stability, and Community Cohesion." He emphasized that psychological balance directly enhances community cohesion and highlighted the importance of life skills development and improving the family environment. Media's Role Highlighted Ahmed Abdul Karim, Head of the Family Guidance and Reform Department at Dubai Courts, presented the fifth paper titled "The Role of Media in Building Social Awareness and Enhancing Community Cohesion." He asserted that purposeful media plays a significant role in shaping social values and called for the establishment of a digital platform specialized in family awareness. The sixth paper, titled "The Role of Legislation and Policies in Achieving a More Cohesive Society," was delivered by Dr. Ibrahim Al Shudifat, a judge at the Sharjah Primary Court. He discussed the role of legislation in fostering a cohesive community, emphasizing the need to develop personal status laws to protect families and promote balance among their members. Closing Remarks At the close of the first day of the conference, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al Ramezan, a member of the board of directors of the Prince Naif Rehabilitation Centre, affirmed that sincerity is the key driver for achieving success at both national and community levels. He called for utilising all technical and legislative means with a genuine spirit aimed at uplifting society, praising the significant support provided by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for community work and prioritising human development.
Sharjah 24
08-04-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SEC transfers elderly transportation from Sharjah Police to SSSD
During the meeting, the Council talked about various important topics, focusing on how to oversee and improve the work of government departments and agencies in Sharjah. They also discussed key development plans aimed at enhancing the quality of services offered to residents throughout the emirate. 'Elderly transportation' goes to Social Services Department The Council has decided to move the elderly transportation service from the Sharjah Police to the Sharjah Social Services Department. This service is designed to support the needs of older residents and reflects the emirate's commitment to providing excellent services for everyone in the community. As part of this transfer, all rights, responsibilities, assets, and resources related to the elderly transportation service will now belong to the Social Services Department. Sharjah Economic Department's achievements The meeting discussed the achievements of the Sharjah Economic Development Department for 2024. The report highlighted some impressive numbers: there was a 6% increase in new business licenses issued and a 7% rise in both total business licenses and renewals. Additionally, the department's revenues grew by 11% compared to the previous year. The report included information about the types of business licenses issued and highlighted key activities related to these licenses. It also touched on various important aspects such as the National License Index, guidelines for foreign ownership, and measures for commercial protection. The department has worked on improving customer experiences through enhanced electronic and smart services, better connections between relevant organizations, and staff training. UAE's 53rd Union Day celebration in Sharjah The Council recently discussed a report about the celebrations for the UAE's 53rd Union Day that took place in Sharjah. The report highlighted various events held throughout the cities in the emirate, focusing on how these activities were presented to the public, including decorations, media promotions, social media posts, radio ads, and fun workshops for visitors. It emphasized the efforts made to celebrate the UAE's rich heritage and traditions, showcasing Sharjah's cultural and tourism potential. The report also shared impressive numbers about the celebrations at Sharjah National Park, which was the main venue for the events. There were over 188,000 visitors, with contributions from 15 government departments, 40 local families selling goods, 20 food carts serving treats, and a special area for traditional food.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
San Carlos Apache tribe demands investigation into group homes after Emily Pike's murder
A memorial honoring San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike can be seen at the intersection of Mesa Drive and McKellips Road in Mesa, the location where she was last seen in January. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror The San Carlos Apache tribe wants state leaders to launch an investigation and implement stricter regulations for state-licensed residential group homes that serve children after a tribal teen ran away from a facility in January and was brutally murdered. At the time of her disappearance, Emily Pike, 14, lived in a group home in Mesa. The San Carlos Tribe's Social Services Department placed her at Sacred Journey, Inc., a residential child care center. 'This crime must not go unsolved,' San Carlos Apache Chairman Terry Rambler said in a press release. 'Emily was murdered in a cruel, depraved and heinous act and the perpetrator(s) must be held accountable.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Emily ran away from the group home and was last seen on the evening of Jan. 27 near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road, according to the Mesa Police Department. Two days later, the police issued a poster for Emily, labeling her as missing or a runaway juvenile. A month after she went missing, the Gila County Sheriff's Office reported that Emily's remains were found on Feb. 14 in a remote area off of U.S. Route 60 outside of Globe. It remains an active homicide investigation, and GCSO is collaborating with several agencies, including the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 'Our Council has offered a $75,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Emily's murder,' Rambler said, and the tribe is requesting the public to supplement the reward to generate more interest and leads. The San Carlos Apache Tribal Council sent a letter to Gov. Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes and members of the Arizona Legislature requesting an investigation into the group home and calling for legislative reform on the regulations of state-licensed youth group homes. The council cited Emily's death and reports about other children who have run away from the group home in Mesa. The tribe said that Emily is not the first child reported as a runaway from the Sacred Journey, noting that the Mesa Police Department reported that about 30 children have run away from the group home over the past three years. 'What happened to these other children?' Rambler said. 'Are they all safe and accounted for? Why has this clear failure to protect these children been allowed to continue unabated for years?' The tribe said that is ample reason for the state to require a comprehensive review that goes beyond the ongoing police investigation into Emily's murder. Ramber said the tribe is requesting Hobbs, with her background in social work, to take all steps necessary to implement reforms in group homes across the state that will ensure the safety of children. And the tribe wants Mayes to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Emily's unauthorized departure from Sacred Journey. Rambler said the investigation should carefully review the safety, security, monitoring, licensing and operational standards for group homes and determine ways to strengthen these to prevent children from leaving their care without permission. 'We ask that your recommendations be presented to the Legislature to be considered in appropriate legislation that is named in honor of Emily Pike,' he added. The council also called for support on House Bill 2281, which, if passed, will establish a Missing Indigenous Person Alert System. The tribe's request to investigate the Arizona Department of Child Services group home regulations is not the only one brought forward following Emily's death. Senate Health & Human Services Committee Chair Carine Werner is also calling for a probe into the group home regulations. 'My heart goes out to those who are grieving the senseless and horrific murder of Emily Pike,' she said. 'Senate Republicans are currently gathering information on what can be done to prevent future tragedies such as this. Werner said that she intends to convene a bipartisan hearing for the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety, which will include officials from DCS, law enforcement, lawmakers, tribal councils, and their social services departments. She said the goal will be to examine the procedures, protocols and policies in place to ensure the safety and security of children in these group homes. 'Arizona's licensed group homes have repeatedly made headlines for egregious mistakes that have cost lives of the children within their care and have threatened the safety of staff,' she said. Werner said that there may be underlying systemic issues requiring immediate reforms within these government-funded entities, and there should be an opportunity to assess where mistakes are occurring and determine the next steps moving forward. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Sharjah 24
06-03-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Khatar Al-Dar 9 at the Elderly Care Center brings joy to all
"Khatir Al-Dar," meaning "visitors to the center," has been organized since 2016 as an open volunteering opportunity for both adults and children, as well as institutions and companies, to bring joy to the elderly and share the Ramadan spirit. Mariam Al-Qatari, the director of the center, noted that this initiative fosters community cohesion and provides happiness for the elderly residents, who gather with guests for social interaction during the holy month. Exciting developments Al-Qatari mentioned that the entire month of Ramadan has been fully booked by visitors, including the days of Eid al-Fitr, reflecting a strong social bond with the elderly. To celebrate Ramadan and its visitors, the center has been decorated with lanterns and lights, and iftar tables have been set up both indoors and outdoors to attract more participants. The center can accommodate up to 100 guests daily. Activities and prayer "Khatar Al-Dar" includes not just iftar but also the opportunity for the elderly to perform Taraweeh prayers at the center's mosque with Sheikh Mustafa Abdel Fattah, who conducts daily religious programs for the elderly and their guests. Registration and volunteer opportunities Al-Qatari stated that registration for "Khatar Al-Dar" is done through the Sharjah Volunteering Center under the Social Services Department, requiring prior booking. The center provides iftar meals and welcomes guests who wish to distribute gifts or organize activities, emphasizing the goal of ensuring the elderly have enjoyable and fulfilling experiences. Diverse programmes The "Khatir Al-Dar" sessions include various programs, such as poetry sessions, health awareness activities, cultural quizzes, and discussions about inherited traditions. Additionally, there are professional skill workshops, storytelling about the past, and interactive cultural exchanges. Special Ramadan programmes Al-Qatari highlighted that many religious programs and activities are organized during Ramadan alongside "Khatir Al-Dar." The center coordinates with the Sharjah Islamic Affairs Department to offer lectures for residents. They also distribute iftar meals to workers during iftar time in collaboration with Sharjah Police. Furthermore, they commemorate Zayed Humanitarian Day on the 26th of Ramadan, honoring the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan by preparing the center with Quran copies and prayers, as well as distributing pamphlets and prayer booklets to attendees at the mosque.
Gulf Today
06-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Sultan directs grants for Sharjah Social Services Department's beneficiaries
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has announced a special financial assistance programme for families in need. This initiative aims to help families supported by the Social Services Department achieve a better quality of life, with a target monthly income of Dhs17,500. A total of 2,114 families in Sharjah will benefit from this grant, as they currently earn less than this amount. The programme will cost a total of Dhs134.45 million and will begin distributing funds starting January 1, 2025.
