Abu dhabi: The Family Care Authority (FCA) organised an insightful dialogue session titled 'Prevention is a Shared Responsibility: Towards an Aware Family and a Drug-Safe Community' at Khalifa A Municipal Presence Centre, in observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The session aimed to enhance community awareness and empower families to protect children from drug-related risks.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event gathered representatives from various government entities, alongside experts in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The initiative is part of the Authority's broader efforts to foster a culture of shared responsibility among stakeholders dedicated to safeguarding the community.
In her opening remarks, Asma Al Azri, Executive Director of the Family Cases Sector at the Family Care Authority, stressed the importance of collaboration among families, educational institutions, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and social services in addressing drug-related risks. She highlighted that community awareness, early intervention, and equipping families with the necessary knowledge and support are crucial pillars of prevention and the protection of future generations.
Dr. Alia Al Jasmi, Director of the Care Homes Department at the Family Care Authority, emphasized that families are the first line of defense against addiction. She outlined the specialized services offered by the Authority, including Halfway houses and aftercare services that aid individuals in recovery and facilitate their reintegration into society.
Major Youssef Hassan Al Hammadi from the Anti-Narcotics Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, discussed the significance of security and community partnerships in protecting children from drug-related risks. Colonel Dr. Ahmed Al Ali from Zayed University addressed strategies for building awareness among students, underscoring the critical role of educational institutions in promoting prevention. Dr. Mohammed Al Junaibi, Head of the Psychiatry Department at the National Rehabilitation Centre - Abu Dhabi, concluded the speaker presentations by highlighting treatment and rehabilitation pathways that support a smooth transition from recovery to community reintegration.
The session engaged attendees with discussions on key topics such as early prevention, emerging synthetic drugs, modern recruitment tactics used by drug traffickers, and treatment and rehabilitation efforts for individuals in recovery. Participants agreed on the importance of strengthening institutional partnerships to develop sustainable initiatives that protect children, promote family stability, and reinforce community cohesion.