It is this early period of human life in which the individual relies completely on their parents to be alive, during which this little individual learns and exercises for the next period that is not important in itself, but rather it is a bridge over which the child crosses to the physiological, mental, psychological, social, moral and spiritual maturity during which human life is formed as a social being.

Definition of childhood:

Anyone who is less than eighteen years old, according to the Gregorian calendar (of the Child Law No. (37) of 2012).

Childhood care and development are the important measure of nations' civilization and their peoples Therefore, the Ministry of Social Development has endeavored, in a humanitarian spirit, to effect a qualitative and quantitative change in childhood services, which is sponsored by the Ministry, in addition, it takes important strides for its success in various fields such as protection and welfare, as well as cultural, educational, social and recreational development.

Childhood Protection

The Kingdom of Bahrain has acceded to Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) pursuant to the Decree - Law No. 16 of 1991 on February 13th, 1992.

Whereas, the Ministry of Social Development is acutely aware of the importance of improving children's affairs, paying attention to children issues, protecting their rights, and working to provide the necessary care for it,  therefore, Ministry o Social Development has founded the National Center for Child Protection And 998 is a free telephone line. It is a service for receiving calls to report children being subjected to violence or abuse. The line receives calls from children or others about exposure to violence, abuse, or danger. It also provides counseling, active listening, and referral to the concerned authorities when needed.

• To View Child Rights

• Inquiry about Child Protection Center & Child Helpline 998
• Inquiry about Child Welfare Home
• Inquiry about Boys Welfare Office

Family Fostering

Believing in the rights of children of unknown father, or parents, orphans, or the equivalent with a decent life that preserves their human, religious and constitutional right, the rational government of the Kingdom of Bahrain "represented by the Ministry of Social Development" issued the law by decree No. 22 of 2000 regarding family fostering and the Decision No. (26) regarding the executive regulations of the family custody law, that clarified the goal of forming the family fostering committee, its most important terms of reference and its method of work, in relation to caring for children of unknown parent or parents in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in cooperation with the various concerned authorities. Resolution No. (36) of 2017 has been issued regarding the restructuring of the family custody committee.

Definition of Family-Type Foster:

Handing over a child ( with an unknown father, parents, orphans or those with equivalent cases) to a Bahraini family for their care, accommodation and responsibility for their upbringing.  

The foster family:

It is a family that the state designates to care for a child who does not have the natural conditions for care and attention since its birth.

• Inquiry about Family Fostering Service

• Application form for admission to day care institutions for parents

Children and Youth Clubs

The programs of the Ministry of Social Development contribute to supporting children and young adults, preserving their rights, and developing appropriate policies to support them and enable them to build their capacities and enhance their national identity to transform them into adults with a developmental role in society through children's and youth clubs. The programs target age groups from seven to 18 years, where a group Childhood development by developing quality initiatives for children that contribute to the organization of events and activities and the implementation of specialized training programs, which depend on the two pillars of the holistic and integrative approach that are recognized globally.

General goals:

1. Implant national cultural identity of children and youngsters on the ground of their belonging to the Arab Islamic culture.
2. Provide an appropriate environment for the development of children’s and youngsters’ personality, work on abolishing sharpen their literary, artistic and scientific talents, and facilitating their integration with the community to be active members in it.
3. Motivating the elements of scientific and creative critical thinking among children and youngsters through observation, dialogue and freedom of expression with regard to the creative potential and talents they have.
4. Develop social sense and raise the value of teamwork and volunteerism.
5. Encourage spontaneous expression and individual and group creatives and link them to civil society.
6. Raising conscience, and cultivating general taste, confirming behaviors as a springboard for everyday dealings between individuals and groups.

• Inquiry about Children & Youth Clubs

• Child & Youth Club registration form

• Children and Youth programs and activities
• Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies and the Digital Economy

National Commission for Childhood

The National Commission for Childhood has been re-formed by virtue of the Council of Ministers’ Decision No. 46 of 2007. This comes to confirm the importance given by the Kingdom of Bahrain to the issues of childhood, and expresses its desire to develop and promote the aspects of overall care provided to children.

• Resolution No. (9) of 2023 to reconfigure the National Committee for Childhood
• Information about the National Commission for Childhood