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Abstract

This paper examines the initiatives and policies implemented in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to protect Children of Determination (COD) from abuse and neglect. Despite global efforts to address child abuse, children with disabilities, referred to here as children of determination, remain particularly vulnerable. This paper explores the social framework, legal protections, prevention strategies, challenges, and necessary measures to ensure that such children are safe and empowered to protect themselves from abuse. The paper also explores approaches to enhancing the efficacy of the caregivers engaged with these children so that they can predict, prevent, and deal with incidents of abuse. Drawing upon qualitative research and data analysis, the study assesses the effectiveness of existing programmes and proposes a model for a child advocacy centre that promotes and implements best practices. The study adopts a qualitative approach to collect the views of ten social workers and parents of children of determination through in-depth interviews, and to analyse data, legislation, and initiatives related to the target population in the UAE. In particular, this study highlights the critical importance of protecting girl children from abuse, given that international research indicates that girls are more vulnerable to abuse than boys.

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