RIYADH: The Ministry of Social Affairs is currently caring for 10,600 minors at its 17 facilities across the country, with 85 percent Saudis and 15 percent foreigners.

There were 9,010 Saudis and 1,636 foreigners at the shelters at the beginning of this year. In Riyadh, there were 2,162 Saudis and 499 foreign minors; while Taif had 1,324, a local publication reported recently.

The report stated that the shelter in Dammam housed 1,107 minors, followed by Madinah, Jeddah, Tabuk, Abha, Hail, Al-Qaseem, Al-Jouf, Najran, Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Qriyat, Arar and Al-Baha. The least number was in Al-Aflaj with 55 inmates, seven of whom are non-Saudi.

The ministry’s shelters provide education, religious guidance and health care to minors awaiting trial, or those between the ages of 12 and 18 ordered there by judges.

Other services provided include psychological counseling while they await trial for various offenses. Minors are considered those under the age of 18. They are provided meals, clothing and other basic necessities; and enrolled in vocational courses to develop their skills.

Earlier this year, the Shoura Council called on the ministry to open more shelters and improve training for staff across the Kingdom. The ministry also provides care for women and other vulnerable people seeking assistance at its shelters.