Dubai Police launch scheme to help children of female prison inmates

Project aims to provide the children with clothing, medical check-ups and education

Dubai Police has launched the You Made Me Happy initiative for children of female prisoners. Photo: Dubai Police

Dubai Police have launched an initiative to ensure the welfare of children of female inmates in the emirate's prisons.

The You Made Me Happy scheme was introduced in Eid Al Adha and involves children being provided with clothing, as well as "ensuring they have access to suitable food and drink, regular medical check-ups, and essential reading and writing education".

"It reflects our commitment to social responsibility and keenness to promote values of tolerance and love by bringing joy to children during Eid through clothing distribution," said Col Jamila Al Zaabi, director of the Women's Prison.

She said the scheme aims to bring happiness to the children of female inmates as part of Dubai Police's humanitarian initiatives.

It was launched to provide a positive and comfortable environment for the children of female inmates, she added.

In 2022, The National visited Dubai Central Jail in Al Aweer, which at the time housed more than 300 women and 29 children.

Jailed mothers were given an opportunity to see, raise and educate their children while serving their sentences. All the inmates wore maroon uniforms, but with red, yellow, blue or green stripes. Those wearing red stripes had committed more serious offences, while those with green stripes were serving shorter sentences.

The women’s prison offered various programmes, including arts and crafts. The aim was to develop their skills and self-confidence to help them make a living when they were released.

Children older than two were accommodated in a nursery that had 10 nannies and four support staff. Mothers could visit their children daily.