Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — As part of the “Shaml” initiative, more than 35,000 parents were reunited with their children through 38 custody and visitation centers spread across the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said on Thursday in a statement.

The “Shaml” (reunion) initiative, which was launched by the MoJ in cooperation with nonprofits and public entities, facilitates the implementation of child custody and visitation rulings.

“The initiative aims to provide social and psychological support for parents and children, protect children’s rights, and offer a safe and private environment,” the MoJ said in the statement.

According to the ministry, the centers have extended about 123,000 custody and visitation services to over 35,000 beneficiaries. They have also held over 20,000 counseling sessions for parents and children, in addition to 7,800 warming-up sessions preceding the implementation of visitation rulings.

The ministry added that the initiative works to increase implementation at home, and over 30 percent of beneficiaries have started home implementation after counseling and preparation sessions.