Approving a license for 32 new social facilities in Sharjah

In the context of its efforts to organize the social sector and improve the quality of the services provided, the Social Services Department in Sharjah, represented by the Department of Licensing and Development of Social Work, announced the granting of permits for 32 new social facilities in the emirate, with the aim of providing an attractive environment for investors, and meeting the needs of various groups of society, especially groups most vulnerable to damage.

Enhancing the quality of rehabilitation services
Kholoud Al -Nuaimi, Director of the Department of Licensing and Development of Social Work, explained that the department seeks to achieve a qualitative shift in the quality of services provided by encouraging investment in the social fields, noting that the new facilities provide various services such as special education activities for people with disabilities, individual educational qualification sessions, and services for development and academic learning difficulties, in a way that contributes to improving the quality of life and providing support to beneficial groups.

Entering new activities and studied geographical distribution
Al -Naimi added that the department licensed activities submitted for the first time in the emirate, such as “early intervention”, “vocational rehabilitation for the disabled”, and “developing skills for people with disabilities”, based on an actual need that was monitored in society. A set of international standards that are in line with local legislation in Sharjah to ensure the quality of services has been adopted.

The geographical expansion included granting permits to three centers in the city of Khor Fakkan, and a center in the city of Al Dhaid, while working to cover the rest of the emirate’s areas that need this type of services.

Government partnerships to ensure societal integration
Al -Naimi stressed that the department seeks, by activating partnerships with government institutions, to provide qualifying services within the school campus for the target groups, within integrated educational and educational programs in cooperation with the Sharjah Special Education Authority, in a way that supports the principle of societal integration. Coordination is also done with the Sharjah Health Authority for the permission of specialized health cadres working in social facilities, according to the legislation organizing specialized professions.

Steps to obtain the permit
Al -Naimi reviewed the license mechanism, explaining that the submission is made electronically via the circuit system, and attach the required documents. After verifying the fulfillment of the requirements, the initial approval is issued, and the issuance of the commercial license is completed by the Department of Economic Development.

After that, the advanced authority gives a period not exceeding 6 months to fulfill the operational requirements, and to appoint a specialized staff and the facility’s manager holding a suitable qualification and experience in the field. Then a field visit is made by the department’s inspectors to verify the facility’s readiness, to be granted the final permit.
In the event that some of the requirements are not met, an additional period is given for a period of 6 months that are not extended to complete the deficiencies, followed by a final field audit to decide on the statement.

Quality and control guarantee
Al -Nuaimi confirmed that the administration is working to set accurate standards to assess the quality of services provided by social activities providers, and is keen to follow up on the commitment of facilities to the requirements through an annual field of field inspection.