Article 19 of the Saudi Child Protection Law

This article deals with what comes after abuse or neglect has occurred, and it addresses both the child victim and the person who committed the abuse:

First: rehabilitating the child. The relevant authorities, which under Article 1 are the authorities connected with child protection as determined by the Implementing Regulations, must set up health, upbringing, educational, psychological and social programs to rehabilitate a child who has suffered one of the cases of abuse or neglect.

Second: treating the person who committed the abuse or neglect. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, when needed, coordinates with the Ministry of Health to subject the person who committed the abuse or neglect to psychological treatment or rehabilitation programs suited to the person's condition.

Abuse under Article 1 includes every form of mistreatment or exploitation of the child or the threat of it, including physical, psychological and sexual abuse, and neglect is failing to provide the child's basic needs or falling short in them. This article follows Article 18, which focuses on prevention and awareness: Article 18 concerns preventing harm, and this article concerns addressing its effects.

The article does not specify the details of these programs or the criteria for the need for treatment, and does not state that they replace punishment. This wording was issued by Royal Decree No. M/72 dated 6/8/1443 AH. Anyone who needs an opinion on a particular case can consult a lawyer who specializes in personal status or criminal cases.