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Family

Family Counselling

In line with the comprehensive reform project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, family cohesion is maintained through counselling, an important service that protects emotional health. 

The Government introduced family counselling services in May 2007 with the opening of offices at social centres throughout the Kingdom. Public awareness was raised about the importance of this service to mental health, happiness, satisfaction, and family stability. The service is also helping to reduce family conflicts and resolve issues related to marriage, education, and society through preventative, therapeutic, and personal development approaches. It offers awareness and developmental programmes and preventative lectures, providing individuals with tools to ensure their stability, happiness, and contentment. 

The Ministry of Social Development adopted a family care programme in 2004, which implements child visitation judgements using social centres as venues instead of police stations. The move is in line with the vision of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King, and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) to safeguard the psychological stability of Bahraini families. The SCW initiative provides a better environment for children of divorced women. The initiative activates Article (27) and Article (28) of the Child Law No. (37) of 2012, which implements judicial rulings related to visits with the children of divorced and separated parents at Ministry of Social Development centres. To ensure confidentiality, the Family Guidance department supervises its implementation. 

Family Care Programme

This programme implements provisions received from the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf related to visits with the children of divorced individuals if a dispute arises between them. The visits are carried out at the Ministry of Social Development social centres in a safe and comfortable environment. 

Beneficiaries of the program:

  • Divorced families (mother - father - children - custodians - authorised persons) 
  • Separated families (mother - father - children - custodians - authorised persons) 

Family protection

  • Dar Al Aman Abused Women Shelter

Dar Al Aman is a free temporary shelter for women and their minor children, who are subjected to domestic violence. Launched in 2006, it serves as a model for community partnerships in the Kingdom, between the Ministry of Social Development and specialised NGOs. It is managed by the Bahrain Society of Sociologists. 

  • Dar Al Karama for Social Care

A social institution affiliated with the Directorate of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Social Development, Dar Al Karama for Social Care provides a range of services to first-time beggars and the homeless. 

Committee for the Assessment of the Status of Foreigners who are Victims of Trafficking in Persons 

Under Ministerial Decision No. (30) of 2008, a committee was formed to assess cases of trafficking in persons among foreigners residing in Bahrain. The committee, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, evaluates each case and recommends one of the following actions: 

  • Returning individuals to their countries of origin
  • Returning individuals to another country if the situation in their home country does not serve their interests 
  • If the individuals wish to remain and work in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the committee, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, studies the cases and helps them obtain Bahrain-based jobs that match their qualifications by submitting a recommendation to the Minister of Interior 
  • Upon the Minister's approval, the individuals will be able to work in Bahrain, and the committee will follow up every six months to ensure that they receive fair salaries and are not abused. The committee also reviews all reports related to victims, including statements from legal representatives. 

Economic Empowerment of Bahraini families

There are many families in the Kingdom of Bahrain who have talents and skills related to handicrafts or other trades which have the potential to become micro businesses. Many of these have been passed down from generation to generation.

The Government values such crafts, which contribute to the Kingdom’s economy and diversification. The Ministry of Social Development launched the Productive Families Programme to support these family businesses by providing them with training, funding, and services, such as marketing and promotion, to enhance their productivity. 

These handicrafts and potteries can be produced using simple technologies. With government support, these families can access higher-quality manufacturing and design capabilities, reducing their time to market. They are also able to promote their products at events and exhibitions supported by the Ministry, participate in a Permanent Exhibition, and even export to foreign markets. 

The main objective of the programme is to preserve traditional businesses and crafts as heritage and vital contributors to the Bahraini economy. It also aims to increase the number of traditional family-owned businesses, enhance their entrepreneurial experience, and allow them to scale up. The Productive Families Programme is supported through community partnerships with NGOs and the private sector, alleviating the financial burden on the government, and attracting investors who can help these businesses expand.