In a groundbreaking approach to guide juvenile inmates towards a positive path and support their emotional health, young offenders are engaging with specially-trained pets. This initiative, spearheaded by the Correctional and Rehabilitation Centres in collaboration with the ongoing Sharjah International Book Fair, allows juvenile inmates to interact with animals, providing them with crucial emotional support. The calming presence of these pets helps improve moods and emotional stability, making the challenging environment more manageable for the young inmates. To guarantee the success of this beneficial program, the juvenile care centre works closely with the Abu Dhabi Police K9 unit, which supplies well-trained, safe animals for the inmates. The centre also takes necessary precautions to address potential animal allergies among inmates, ensuring the program prioritizes health and safety while delivering emotional benefits.

The Judicial Department emphasizes its active focus on children's psychological well-being, aiming to educate parents about managing negative behaviors effectively. Pet therapy extends its benefits beyond the inmates to their families, particularly parents with children facing issues like anxiety and stress. This therapeutic method teaches children essential life skills such as forming friendships, taking responsibility, and finding healthy ways to cope with emotions. Engaging with animals helps children improve their mood and overall emotional health, making this approach valuable for both young people and their families. Through these initiatives, which blend pet therapy with educational resources, the Correctional and Rehabilitation Centres strive to create a supportive environment that fosters emotional resilience and personal growth among juvenile inmates, aiding their rehabilitation journey.

In addition to pet therapy, the juvenile care centres are showcasing artwork and crafts created by young inmates at the Sharjah International Book Fair. This effort highlights their creativity and supports their rehabilitation. Visitors to the fair will encounter a variety of handicrafts made from recycled materials. One notable piece is a vibrant painting featuring two birds, capturing attention with its bright, lively colors. The painter used vivid hues to beautifully convey ideas of peace, freedom, and the essence of life. The birds in the painting seem to embody joy and liberation, resonating with viewers. Accompanying this striking painting are various other handicrafts, including a colorful painting created by mixing colors and using different drawing tools, a unique cardboard truck, pottery, and glass, all shaped and painted interestingly. Other products include wood carvings and handmade wallets, showcasing the inmates' skills. These crafts not only demonstrate the talents of the young inmates but also result from workshops designed to keep them positively engaged. The products are sold at other exhibitions.

Source link:   https://www.khaleejtimes.com