Forum focuses on family-based alternative care and wellbeing of vulnerable children

Doha, Qatar - A two-day forum on alternative care and the wellbeing of children without parental support has commenced in the Qatari capital. Organized by Qatar's Dreama Orphan Care Center in collaboration with Unicef, the event is taking place at the Qatar National Convention Center under the patronage of the Minister of Social Development and Family.

The forum aims to bolster child protection and care systems, with a specific focus on children who lack family support. Discussions are centered around international standards, evidence-based practices, and regional experiences in alternative care. Participants are emphasizing that the best interests of the child should remain paramount in policies and practices, with family environments given priority whenever they can offer a secure and supportive setting for children.

Efforts to maintain children within their biological families or reunite them with their families when appropriate safeguards are in place are also being explored. Dreama Executive Director Najla bint Ahmed Al-Thani highlighted the center's commitment to developing alternative care systems and fostering partnerships with national, regional, and international organizations. She stressed that a stable family environment is crucial for children's sense of security, belonging, and overall development.

Lana Wreikat, the representative of Unicef's Gulf Area Office, affirmed that Qatar has shown a strong commitment to enhancing the role of families, assisting vulnerable groups, and promoting social cohesion. Unicef is dedicated to partnering with the Qatari government, Dreama, and other stakeholders to enhance access to quality family-based care and empower children without parental support to reach their full potential.