Jordan has been among the first countries in the region to launch an independent and holistic National Family Protection System in 1997.The National Family Protection System adopted a multidisciplinary model aiming at holistically addressing the needs of cases reported to the system. This model is manifested through the National Task Force for Family Protection, operating under the umbrella of the National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA), which represents sixteen governmental and non-governmental organizations working in various sectors related to the well-being of families.
Since this has been the first model for an Arab Family Protection System, national efforts have been rallied to build a scientifically sound as well as culturally appropriate model. Achievements since 1997 have been vast; a national framework for family protection which outlines the role of each organization concerned with domestic violence and child abuse has been developed and endorsed, a range of capacity building programs have been conducted, protocols and procedures have been developed within key organizations, and a national law on Family Protection has been sanctioned. Moreover, the Kingdom is party to more international human rights treaties than other countries in the region, and has taken steps to harmonize national law with the requirements of these conventions.

Facts on Child Abuse in Jordan
In 2009 the Family Protection Department received a total of 6416 cases of abuse against children and women, 565 of cases were child abuse cases referred to court. 82.8% of the cases referred to court constitute sexual abuse, 15.4% physical abuse and 1.8 % other types of abuse. Professionals agree that this number represents a small percentage of the actual cases in Jordan. In addition, the value of each type of abuse is also not accurately represented by the reporting due to many variables related to the values Jordanians place on reporting on one side, and the severity of the cases of abuse in connection with the burdens of reporting (e.g. neglect is not a dangerous abuse to be reported as physical abuse, Jordanians may believe).
According to a study that was conducted by UNICEF Jordan on “Violence against Children in Jordan”; (Elayyan, 2007) it was found that 50% of children are physically abused by family members and school teachers and administrators, while around one third are physically abused by neighbourhood adults and children. With regard to sexual abuse, 2 to7 out of every 100 children are sexually abused by family members and schools teachers and administrators .

“What children remember from childhood, they remember forever. They are, therefore, our most significant investment for the future.”

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah

 
Jordan is the first country in the Arab region to address the previously taboo topic of child abuse by launching an independent child protection system in the year 1996. As the work started in the capital city, Amman, 2030 cases have been unveiled and supported each year.  On one hand, professionals agree that this number represents a small percentage of the actual cases in the country. Whereas reporting, on the other hand, though on the rise, is not increasing to meet the actual number of cases. The system, on the other hand, is incapable of accommodating such an increase, in terms of human, material resources and institutional capabilities.

Physical and emotional cases of child abuse constitute 50% of the cases. The majority of which are either a misconception of discipline, lack of parental capacity, or stressful family conditions. Cases of sexual abuse constitute 45% of the cases. Neglect constitutes the remainder 5% of cases.

All of the above-mentioned figures represent cases at the severe end of child maltreatment. In reality, the value of each type of abuse is also not accurately represented by the reporting due to many variables related to the values Jordanians place on reporting on one side, and the severity of the cases of abuse in connection with the burdens of reporting (e.g. neglect is not a dangerous abuse to be reported as physical abuse, Jordanians may believe).

The Child Protection System can still intervene in cases of child abuse across the country, separate children from abusive environments, and hold parents accountable for their abusive acts/practices. However, will this alone alleviate the stress under which parents abuse their children, confront issues of denial, promote the cooperation of parents and their willingness to change and control the incidence of child abuse?

 

The Jordan River Children Program
In 1997, the Jordan River Children Program (JRCP) was launched as a result of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah's relentless efforts to place the welfare of children at the forefront of national policy agendas. Her Majesty's conviction that the well being of future generations should be of primary concern to Jordanian society has been the driving force behind this key initiative.

This program, unique to Jordan and the Arab world, faced many challenges upon its establishment because of the sensitivity of the subject. Now JRCP is an integral component of JRF's activities. However, through groundbreaking efforts the Foundation continues to be a pioneering organization by bringing this sensitive issue into the consciousness of Jordanian citizens and decision-makers.

The JRCP, with the mission to respect and support families in their task of nurturing children, provides a broad umbrella for the Jordan River Child Safety. The program is designed to address intervention, prevention and awareness needs in Jordan. The objectives are to enhance positive child-rearing practices to protect children, as well as to identify, confront and eliminate various forms of abuse through awareness, prevention and rehabilitation activities. These programs also strive to strengthen positive healthy interactions between family members, particularly with regard to nurturing children within this basic building-block of society.

The JRCP partners with the ministries of Social Development, Health and Education, and the Family Protection Department of the Public Security Directorate, a collaboration of public institutions and NGOs. JRF is also a member of the larger National Family Protection Project established to function under the auspices of the National Council of Family Affairs.

To learn more about the Jordan River Child Safety, click below:
 Jordan River Child Safety