Iran’s Welfare Organization Demonstrates Robust Response to Recent Conflict
Iranian Social Workers – Iran’s State Welfare Organization (SWO) has undertaken significant and proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly children and individuals struggling with addiction, amidst recent attacks. This response, spearheaded by Seyyed Hassan Mousavi Chelk, Head of the Crisis Management Committee at the SWO, demonstrates a high level of preparedness and capacity in handling national crises.
According to Maddadkar News Agency, reporting from the Public Relations and International Affairs Department of the State Welfare Organization of Iran, the organization has relocated 57 childcare centers and removed over 2,100 children from these facilities, placing them in various family-based and legal care arrangements.
Furthermore, over 6,000 residents of addiction harm reduction centers have been discharged and referred to families or safe locations, proactively preventing potential harm and ensuring their physical and psychological wellbeing.
Mousavi Chelk detailed the organization’s efforts, stating that 140 children have been reunited with their biological families, 84 have been placed in adoptive homes, 305 have been accommodated with foster families, 84 are under temporary guardianship, and 1,857 children have been granted leave to stay with relatives.
Strengthening Communication Lines & Providing Free Psychological Services
The Head of the Crisis Management Committee also announced that the “Voice of Counselor” hotline (1480) is now operating 24/7 and providing free services. All counseling, psychological support, and social work services are available to the public. To date, 16,790 calls related to the hotline have been registered, including 1,061 related to the specific conditions of the wartime situation, 3,774 concerning anxiety, and 9,342 related to family problems.
Collaboration with Ministry of Sports and Youth & Enhancing Emergency Social Services
Mousavi Chelk highlighted the voluntary collaboration of counselors and psychologists from the Ministry of Sports and Youth to enhance the capacity of the 1480 hotline. He also reported the closure of 17 addiction harm reduction centers, the discharge of 6,971 individuals, and the relocation of 9 centers to secure locations. Two centers for street children were also closed to ensure their safety.
According to the SWO, 8,970 calls were received by the Emergency Social Services hotline (123), with 1,552 mobile services provided through on-site interventions.
Effective & Responsive Crisis Management
The performance of Iran’s State Welfare Organization and the astute management of Seyyed Hassan Mousavi Chelk during the recent crisis showcase the organization’s preparedness, commitment, and ability to effectively support vulnerable groups and deliver timely assistance to those in need. These actions have not only played a crucial role in mitigating the damages caused by the conflict but have also instilled hope and reassurance within the community.
[News Agency Name] recognizes the dedication and efforts of the State Welfare Organization of Iran and its crisis management team, and hopes that the organization continues to take impactful steps in supporting vulnerable populations across the country.
