CDA launches ‘Family Day’ initiative to strengthen family bonds of juveniles at Soun Center

Dubai: As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the juvenile rehabilitation ecosystem, the Community Development Authority in Dubai (CDA) has launched the “Family Day” initiative at Soun Center for Care and Rehabilitation. The initiative reinforces the role of the family as a key partner in the rehabilitation journey, highlighting that family visits, when structured effectively, can serve as a powerful therapeutic tool that supports the successful reintegration of juveniles into society.

Aligned with the objectives of the 'Year of the Family 2026', which underscores the importance of family cohesion and stability as the foundation of a resilient and sustainable society, the initiative is built on the belief that juveniles leaving the center require not only a second chance but also a prepared and supportive family environment. It further recognises that families themselves may need guidance and empowerment to effectively fulfil this role, particularly in cases where instability, weak communication, or emotional disconnect have impacted family dynamics. Accordingly, the initiative seeks to address both sides of the equation by preparing juveniles and their families together.

Zainab Abdullah Al Dashti, Director of Soun Center for Care and Rehabilitation, affirmed that the initiative reflects CDA’s human‑centric and developmental approach to juvenile rehabilitation, placing the family at the heart of the process. She said: “At Soun Center, we believe that the family is the cornerstone of a juvenile’s rehabilitation and reintegration journey. Through the ‘Family Day’ initiative, we aim to rebuild trust between juveniles and their families, transforming visits from routine procedures into meaningful opportunities for dialogue, connection, and the restoration of natural family relationships. When juveniles leave the center, what they need first is a family that is ready to embrace and support them — and this is precisely what we strive to achieve through this initiative.”

Al Dashti added that the initiative creates a supportive environment that helps juveniles overcome the psychological and social challenges associated with their experiences, while enhancing their ability to build a positive future grounded in responsibility and active community engagement.

The initiative is delivered through a comprehensive framework of programmes and activities designed to foster positive engagement, structured across six integrated pillars that align with the juvenile’s journey at the center. It begins with the “First Hug” meeting, conducted within the initial hours of admission, where the first family visit takes place in a supportive, barrier‑free setting under the supervision of specialists to reassure both the juvenile and their family and reinforce that the focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

This is followed by “Family Counselling” sessions — regularly held meetings involving parents, the juvenile, and social specialists — to address family challenges, rebuild trust, and promote constructive communication. At the heart of the initiative is “Family Day,” a recurring event that brings juveniles and their families together through shared activities such as sports, arts, and interactive workshops, helping restore a sense of normalcy in family relationships.

Complementing these efforts is the “Message to My Family” programme, which provides juveniles with a platform to express their thoughts and aspirations through written messages to their families, while families respond with messages of support — both facilitated under the guidance of specialists.

The Community Development Authority (CDA) also works to prepare families ahead of the juvenile’s release as part of a structured empowerment and reintegration plan, alongside conducting post‑release home visits under its aftercare methodology to ensure stability within the family environment and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

To ensure quality and consistency, the center has established clear guidelines for implementation, including that visits are initiated upon recommendation by rehabilitation specialists and are not to be used as punitive measures. Visits are scheduled for 45 to 60 minutes in a dedicated multi‑purpose space designed to ensure privacy and create a safe, supportive environment for families.

The initiative is expected to deliver measurable positive outcomes, including increased family participation in visits, improved behaviour within the center, stronger commitment to education and rehabilitation programmes, and reduced rates of reoffending following release, reflecting the critical role of family engagement in achieving sustainable rehabilitation outcomes.