Amman, April 27 (Petra) - The Scientific and National Conference on Alternative Care was launched Saturday evening at Hussein Cultural Center, organized by Sumou Association in partnership with Amman Arab University to address critical challenges facing care leavers in Jordan.

The initiative aligns with His Majesty King Abdullah II's directives on social protection mechanisms and vulnerability reduction strategies for disadvantaged populations, particularly youth transitioning from institutional care.

Representing Social Development Minister Wafa Bani Mustafa, Assistant Secretary-General for Protection Affairs Nasser Al-Shuraida outlined the ministry's integrated approach to post-care transition services for individuals who have aged out of the care system at 18.

"Our aftercare programming includes educational pathways, vocational training, and psychosocial support interventions," Al-Shuraida explained, highlighting collaborative frameworks with Princess Taghrid Foundation and Al-Aman Fund that provide housing assistance, employment facilitation, and startup capital for microenterprises.

Al-Shuraida announced the implementation of a digital case management platform developed jointly with the Ministry of Digital Economy to enhance service delivery within the national orphan care strategy framework launched by Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II under the provisions of the 2024 Social Development Act.

Dr. Falah Al-Amoush, Association President, emphasized their commitment to evidence-based advocacy for care leavers, noting the conference's dual focus on empirical research and policy reform to address systemic barriers facing this vulnerable demographic.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Widyan, University President, stressed the heightened risk factors affecting care leavers and called for strengthened cross-sector partnerships to enhance the child protection ecosystem and deinstitutionalization efforts.

The conference agenda featured a documentary screening and comparative analysis of alternative care models from regional contexts, alongside a multi-disciplinary arts program including an operetta performed by the Armed Forces Orchestra under Awni Haddad's direction with the Creative Youth Choir.

A concurrent exhibition titled "Be Human" showcased works from 40 artists representing diverse stylistic approaches to humanitarian themes related to care experiences.

The conference continues with technical sessions at Amman Arab University featuring child welfare experts from Morocco, Tunisia, Iraq, Egypt, Palestine, Oman and Jordan, concluding Tuesday with cultural heritage site visits to Qasr Al-Harrana, Azraq Wetland Reserve and Amman.

//Petra// AA

27/04/2025 13:01:10