Citation

Almuneef M, Al-Eissa MA. Ann. Saudi Med. 2011; 31(6): 635-640.

Affiliation

National Family Safety Program, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre)

DOI

10.4103/0256-4947.87102

PMID

22048511

PMCID

PMC3221137

Abstract

Although child abuse and neglect (CAN) have been recognized by medical professionals for the last 20 years, child protection services and child maltreatment prevention programs are still emerging in Saudi Arabia. This paper will review the progress made in the country in terms of recognition and implementation of child protection services. Furthermore, it will draw attention to the essential steps required to start child maltreatment prevention programs, as CAN prevention is currently viewed as a global healthcare priority with an emphasis on evidence-based interventions. In addition, this paper will assess Saudi Arabia's readiness to prevent CAN and the challenges that will be faced by the professionals in implementing evidence-based CAN prevention programs.

Language: en