Large Uptake of Social Services in Early 2024

TDT | Manama

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Thousands of Bahrainis benefited from a range of social services between January and April 2024, including family consultations, disability support, and community development programmes. More than 3,900 people attended awareness lectures, 358 families reached amicable agreements, and 59 children saw custody issues resolved, while hundreds more received rehabilitation and physiotherapy. Driving these efforts, the Ministry of Social Development also strengthened partnerships with civil society and the private sector, aligning its initiatives with Bahrain’s National Economic Strategy 2030 and focusing on community well-being and family stability.

In this period, the Ministry facilitated 1,494 family consultations. The family care programme led to 31 agreements, aiding 358 families and 625 children. It also managed 44 custody transfer rulings, impacting 59 children, and 18 developmental programmes reached 642 participants.

The Ministry’s efforts were evident in its family and childhood development centres. It organised 84 educational lectures for 3,926 attendees and held 123 training courses for family development with 1,765 participants. Programmes for children and youth included 126 sessions attended by 2,932 individuals. Additionally, 100 community research studies were completed, benefiting an equal number of families.

In disability services, 161 individuals received assistance from government centres, while 670 were helped by non-governmental organisations and 889 by private centres. The Ministry also provided 1,219 physiotherapy sessions and assistive devices to 23 individuals. For children with disabilities, 54 programmes served 199 children, complemented by 164 psychological research sessions for 125 beneficiaries.

The Ministry’s community partnership programme, essential for adapting to changing local and global contexts, supports various initiatives, including care, rehabilitation, and training for people with disabilities, the elderly, children, and those affected by begging. It also backs community development projects and encourages entrepreneurial policies.

Another key area involves the management of care, rehabilitation, and development centres, focusing on family programmes, counselling, and public awareness. The Ministry ensures that laws and regulations safeguard the rights of individuals with disabilities and provide necessary support.

The Family Care Programme addresses visitation rulings for separated or divorced families as guided by the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Waqf. This programme facilitates family counselling during visitation arrangements and seeks amicable solutions outside the centres, aiming to create a supportive environment for children and families and ensuring their psychological well-being and stability.