The Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, has launched the Family Guidance Strategy during the opening of the 7th edition of the 2024 Family Forum. Organized by the Family Affairs Council in Riyadh, the forum was held under the slogan "Family and family guidance build strength from within in a changing world."

Key Initiatives of the Family Guidance Strategy

The Family Guidance Strategy encompasses over 12 initiatives aimed at addressing all family and societal needs. It focuses on empowering and improving the performance of those working in the field of family guidance, in addition to qualifying them and enhancing their capabilities and skills. The strategy aims to strengthen society’s understanding of the importance of family guidance and its positive impact on family relations, conflict resolution, and overall stability. This will be achieved through organizing and implementing several qualitative programs and initiatives for both society and families.

Expanding Family Services Across the Kingdom

The strategy also includes plans to expand the scope of family services provided, increase geographical coverage, and offer services to the largest possible number of beneficiaries across all regions of the Kingdom. The ministry aims to issue licenses for 500 family counseling practitioners in 2024, with a goal of reaching 4,000 licensed practitioners by the end of 2030.

Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030

Through the Family Counseling Strategy, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development seeks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of social services, thereby contributing to the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030 and the ministry’s social development goals.

Development Process and Collaborations

Notably, the Family Counseling Strategy underwent several development stages, including standard comparisons of international and regional experiences in the field. Over 12 workshops were held with the participation of 13 governmental and private entities. These efforts reflect the ministry’s commitment to enhancing family stability, recognizing the crucial role of the family in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development goals, and improving the specialized practices of those working in family counseling.