Today's Edition
JESSI AMASON (Abu Dhabi)
The Family Care Authority (FCA) and New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have agreed to a groundbreaking partnership to launch the first-of-its-kind “Case Management Professional Development Program”, meant to train and empower FCA’s case managers to enrich the country’s social services system.
The programme will be spearheaded by NYUAD’s Silver School of Social Work, marking the school’s first partnership within the UAE’s social sector. The tailor-made programme will provide social services professionals with world-class knowledge and skills.
H.E. Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Director General of the Family Care Authority, stated: “This partnership with NYU’s Silver School of Social Work and NYUAD is not only a testament to our dedication to fostering excellence within our organisation but also a significant stride towards realising our commitment to the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy. In line with the FCA’s mandate and vision, we are constantly identifying new and innovative ways to enhance family care services in Abu Dhabi and elevate the entire social sector.”
Speaking to Aletihad on the launch of the partnership, Her Excellency noted that the unique model that the FCA has pioneered in the UAE’s social services sector, known as the “family case management model”, that the authority’s case managers will be trained in under the agreement.
“This programme will ensure that our case managers are empowered with the international best practices, and that they are empowered with the knowledge and hands-on practical training,” Dr. Al Mulla said, adding that more broadly, the programme aims “to develop leaders in case management, and strengthen the social sector of Abu Dhabi.”
According to Dr. Al Mulla, the programme will have three phases, all of which are set to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of case management, in addition to giving case managers specialised training.
“The first phase will involve foundational learning, and participants will gain an understanding of case management fundamentals,” the FCA Director General explained.
Secondly, the participants will be exposed to all aspects of practice, which provides participants with a “broader perspective”, she added, noting that the participants will also learn how to ground their approach within the appropriate cultural context.
The final phase will focus on specialised training, Dr. Al Mulla said. “We are aiming to have specialised case managers in three areas: People of determination, senior citizens, and children and adolescents.”
The programme not only reflects the FCA’s dedication to foster excellence on an organisational level, but also works to advance the Abu Dhabi family wellbeing strategy, Dr. Al Mulla said.
“The partnership underscores the Family Care Authority’s commitment to invest in our case managers with a world-class education to enhance services,” the FCA Director General said. “If you want to have a quality social service programme, then you should also have quality service providers.”
For the FCA, this strategic capacity building is an investment. “It’s an investment that we are making, and a commitment that we have towards our social workers and case managers. This demonstrates that the FCA is committed to nurturing the next generation of social workers to ensure that we are providing quality social services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,” Dr. Al Mulla said.
Future plans within the scope of the partnership include an exchange programme, further training, and sending FCA case managers to complete their master’s degrees in New York City.
