About Us

The Department of Social Services is a governmental institution affiliated with the Government of the Emirate of Sharjah. It was established on August 1984, 22, but its actual date of appearance dates back to November 1995, 5, after the issuance of the Emiri Decree by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the Union - Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah - may God protect and preserve him, and according to it it became part of the service institutions of the Government of Sharjah, and an essential counterpart to its efforts in the societal and humanitarian field. His Highness also issued Law No. (2023) of XNUMX regarding the organization of the work of the department.

The department has three main specializations: general specializations, specializations related to social care and protection, and specializations related to community cohesion and the development of social work.

General specializations:

1. Drawing up general policies and developing strategic plans for the department in the emirate.
2. Proposing the necessary legislation and regulations related to the work of the department.
3. Seeking assistance from experts, consultants and consulting firms in all matters related to the department’s work, as well as seeking assistance from relevant authorities to obtain administrative and technical support.
4. Cooperating with other parties on issues that fall within the department’s objectives and competencies.
5. Concluding contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding and partnerships.
6. Representing the Emirate in local, regional and international conferences, seminars and meetings related to social affairs in order to achieve social development and enhance the Emirate's position globally.

Specialties related to social care and protection:

1. Providing support, subsidies and social assistance to those who are eligible in accordance with the approved rules, regulations and procedures.
2. Providing day and home care services for the elderly and special groups, and the accompanying activities that suit their needs.
3. Supervise everything related to the missing social care and make appropriate decisions regarding their care and secure their rights and legal representation.
4. Manage and supervise social care homes and shelters for people without social care in the department.
5. Implementation of judicial rulings issued regarding the regulation of family and parental relations that are assigned to the department and are within its jurisdiction.

Specialties related to community cohesion and social work development:

1. Organizing the social sector in the Emirate, including activities, professions, services and sectors carried out by public and private for-profit and non-profit entities.
2. Organizing and supervising the affairs of civil associations and institutions of public interest in the Emirate in coordination with the concerned authorities in accordance with the legislation in force.
3. Developing, qualifying and licensing workers in the field of social services in the emirate in coordination with the concerned authorities.
4. Enhancing social awareness among members of society by consolidating knowledge and social values, enabling them to integrate socially and acquire prevention and protection skills.
5. Organizing and developing volunteer work in the emirate and supervising it.
6. Carrying out research and social studies, preparing and analyzing statistics, reports and scientific publications in the social field that enhance community and creative outputs that have a positive impact on society, in coordination with the concerned authorities.
7. Research and study any problems related to social work and submit the necessary proposals and recommendations in this regard to the Governor or the Council.

The department seeks to advance a society that enjoys well-being, security, family stability and social inclusion in accordance with the best social practices in line with the goals of sustainable development. Through its mission, the department seeks to provide therapeutic, preventive and developmental social services in the field of insurance, care, protection and rehabilitation for individuals, families and groups with special social circumstances, and to study social problems to find solutions and support decision-making, contributing to the process of sustainable development of the community of the Emirate of Sharjah.