Dr. Hussam El-Mendoh El-Hussiny, a member of the Education Committee in the Egyptian Parliament, has called for stricter controls on speech therapy and rehabilitation centers, particularly those dealing with children with special needs. He emphasized the need for these centers to have qualified staff with the necessary professional and psychological skills to handle such cases. This comes after a recent incident of abuse against a child at a center in Qalyubia, which is currently under investigation by the Public Prosecution.
The MP criticized the current state of supervision and monitoring of these centers, stating that the recent incident should not be treated as an isolated case. Instead, it should serve as a warning to review the entire system of supervision, licensing, and operation of these centers. El-Mendoh stressed that the lack of oversight leaves children vulnerable to neglect and abuse. He also pointed out that the incident highlights the need for more stringent measures to ensure the safety and well-being of children with special needs.
El-Mendoh emphasized the importance of providing specialized training for staff working at these centers before allowing them to start work. This training should include practical programs on how to deal with children with special needs, communicate with them, and handle cases that require special educational and rehabilitative approaches. He also called for regular medical and psychological evaluations of staff, as well as verification of their qualifications and necessary training.
The MP pointed out that the nature of work at speech therapy and rehabilitation centers requires a high level of patience and professional and human skills to deal with children. He stressed that the centers should have clear mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating staff performance. El-Mendoh also emphasized that the selection of staff should be based on more than just their academic qualifications.
According to El-Mendoh, the incident of abuse revealed by surveillance cameras, as announced by the Ministry of Interior, underscores the need for stricter procedures for selecting staff and reviewing work requirements within these centers. He also stressed the importance of taking legal action against any violations to ensure the protection of children with special needs and enhance the trust of families in the services provided to their children.
The MP warned that protecting children cannot be managed by reactive measures alone. He emphasized that real supervision is needed to prevent abuse before it happens and to detect any shortcomings before they affect children who may not be able to express what they have been through. El-Mendoh called for a comprehensive review of the current system to prevent such incidents in the future.
The case has sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of children with special needs in Egypt. The incident has highlighted the need for greater oversight and regulation of speech therapy and rehabilitation centers to prevent abuse and ensure that children receive the care and support they need. The authorities are expected to take steps to address these concerns and ensure that those responsible for the abuse are held accountable.
Key points
- Egyptian MP Dr. Hussam El-Mendoh El-Hussiny calls for stricter controls on speech therapy centers to prevent abuse of children with special needs.
