A facility dedicated to providing a secure and nurturing environment for the rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents was inaugurated on Thursday by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai. The 'Soun Centre for Care and Rehabilitation' is dedicated to offering a safe and supportive atmosphere for the rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents, guiding them towards positive life transformations. The centre provides specialized support for various categories of juvenile delinquents, including those awaiting trial or at risk of delinquency, as mandated by judicial, parliamentary, or police authorities.
With the capacity to house 48 juveniles, divided between boys and girls, the facility features dedicated living quarters, rehabilitation zones, a mosque, dining halls, playgrounds, gyms, a clinic, classrooms, a courtroom, multi-purpose halls, and administrative offices. Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority (CDA), emphasized the importance of creating a secure environment for court-sentenced juveniles to facilitate their rehabilitation. This approach not only fosters personal growth but also supports positive reintegration into society, discourages harmful behaviors, and opens up new opportunities.
The launch of the 'Soun Centre for Care and Rehabilitation' underscores the leadership's commitment to providing comprehensive support for vulnerable groups. The centre encourages closer collaboration among agencies responsible for judicial and administrative measures for juveniles and offers various holistic rehabilitation programs. These programs, which include individual and group sessions, as well as social, sports, artistic, and religious activities, are designed to facilitate the positive reintegration of juveniles and reduce the likelihood of repeat offenses, according to Buhumaid.
Established by the Community Development Authority (CDA), the centre's opening aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, particularly in establishing a proactive and highly effective social system for protection, care, and empowerment. The centre enhances cooperation among key agencies involved in juvenile justice, including the Family and Juvenile Prosecution, Dubai Police, and Dubai Courts. By partnering with organizations such as the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Dubai Health, Ministry of Education, Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dar Al Ber Society, and ENOC Group, the Centre offers rehabilitation programs aimed at helping youth transform and reintegrate into society.
The Care and Rehabilitation Department at the Centre is committed to supporting convicted juvenile delinquents through social and psychological assistance, along with behavior development, to ensure successful reintegration after their release. This department is managed by qualified specialists, including psychological and educational experts, social supervisors, and sports trainers. Additionally, the Centre includes a Prevention and Community Coordination Department focused on raising community awareness to prevent delinquency among youth in Dubai.
In addition to its rehabilitation programs led by the CDA, the Centre is dedicated to advancing preventive initiatives. These include educational workshops, awareness campaigns, and comprehensive social and statistical studies that examine factors contributing to juvenile delinquency. By analyzing variables such as crime hotspots, age groups, offense types, and gender, these studies aim to inform and design targeted programs to effectively prevent juvenile crime in Dubai.
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