RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Justice Minister Waleed Al Samaani launched in Riyadh the custody and visitation centers initiative named "Shaml". Labor and Social Development Minister Ahmad Al Rajhi attended the launch event. Under this initiative, the ministry has prepared 19 specialized centers across the Kingdom as part of its National Transformation Program 2020. The initiative aims to protect children and families through creating well-equipped locations to implement custody and visitation decisions. The initiative resolves many challenges like the lack of suitable places to implement custody and visitation rulings. It also resolves the delay of implementing such rulings and the negative effects this can create on children not being able to meet their parents. The ministry also said that "Shaml" initiative helps create suitable and safe environment for all parties in dispute, it also provides social support for parents and children. The initiative will also provide support to the courts handling custody and visitation cases as well as boosts cooperation between the ministry and other non-profit organizations.