Kanaf Centre Receives Child and Family Friendly Institution Accreditation
The Sharjah-based centre, which provides integrated support to children who have experienced abuse and their families, has met all accreditation requirements across sustainability, innovation, inclusivity and institutional culture.
Kanaf Centre, operating under the auspices of the Child Safety Organisation and dedicated to supporting children affected by abuse alongside their families, has been awarded Child and Family Friendly Institution accreditation following a comprehensive assessment by Sharjah Child Friendly Office, part of Sharjah Health Authority.
The accreditation process evaluated the centre across four fundamental pillars: sustainability, innovation, inclusivity and institutional culture. The rigorous assessment confirmed that Kanaf has satisfied all accreditation requirements, with no identified gaps across the standards examined.
Established under the visionary directives of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Kanaf operates as a unified service hub providing integrated legal, psychological and social support to vulnerable children. By consolidating multiple agencies and services within a single facility, the centre streamlines child protection procedures, facilitates coordinated referrals and enables comprehensive treatment, ensuring children and their families benefit from a secure environment at every stage of their case.
Dr. Hanadi Saleh Al Yafei, Director General of the Child Safety Organisation and Chairperson of the Higher Committee of Kanaf Center, underscored the significance of this recognition: “Sharjah’s approach to caring for children and families reflects a shared responsibility, one that institutions have a central role in upholding through their decisions and priorities.” She emphasised that families placing their trust in such institutions deserve assurance that their child’s dignity will be protected and their circumstances understood with compassionate support.
The assessment encompassed a thorough review of Kanaf’s approved policies and guidelines, an on-site field visit to examine working environments and facilities, team consultations, and analysis of survey data to verify how standards translate into daily practice. The evaluation confirmed implementation across multiple dimensions, from staff familiarisation with policies and specialised training to suitable facility provision and workplace accommodations for employees with dependent children requiring special care.
Ameena Al Refaei, Director of Kanaf, noted the comprehensive nature of the assessment process: “The field visit, team meetings and surveys allowed these elements to be assessed together and confirmed that our day-to-day practices met the accreditation requirements.” She highlighted practical examples of institutional commitment, including provision of appropriate workplace accommodations for employees who are parents of children with disabilities.
The centre’s accredited practices encompass safe, purpose-designed spaces meeting the needs of children and families, continuous professional development strengthening staff awareness of child protection protocols, and mechanisms fostering knowledge sharing, innovation and team communication. Within the Child Safety Organisation’s broader mission to protect children from neglect, abuse and exploitation, Kanaf represents a sophisticated institutional approach to safeguarding physical and psychological wellbeing within secure family and community contexts.
Source: WAM