Dubai Police to open new nursery for women inmates’ children
dubai — A new nursery that can accommodate 58 children will be opened at the Dubai Women’s Prison, a top official has said.
Lt.-Col. Jamila Al Zaabi, director of the Dubai Women’s Prison, said that 31 children are living with their mothers in the penal and correctional institutions currently and the elder child living in the prison is aged seven.
She added that the Dubai Police will open the nursery which will have eight rooms with 49 blue and pink beds, and outdoor and indoor playrooms.
Lt.-Col. Al Zaabi said that all children are subject to a comprehensive medical examination, a paediatrician is available three times a week, and a nurse is provided 24 hours a day. The general department of punitive and correctional establishment at the Dubai Police also organises birthday parties for children in cooperation with charitable organisations.
As many as 15 Filipina baby-sitters will take care of the children throughout the day, besides four social workers who will be arranged in cooperation with the Community Development Authority.
She pointed out that Article 21 of the Federal Law No. 43 of 1992 concerning the regulation of penal and correctional facilities states that “a prisoner may keep her child until the age of two years. If she does not wish the child to remain with her, authorities will place the kid in one of the childcare centres, and will be able to see the mother as specified in the executive regulations.
Policewomen as well as supervisors of the nursery wear abaya and shaila, and not uniforms to avoid fears among children. When the children start their education, they are provided with all essential school materials like their peers outside the jail, which brings joy to the children
Al Zaabi said that 480 women inmates are languishing in different penal and correctional institutions. She said that facilities like shops and library hall are also available at the prison for inmates. They can even nurture their hobbies like drawing or even learn a new skill which helps them find a source of income after leaving the jail and returning to normal life.
amira@khgaleejtimes.com