Over 12,000 Children Placed in Foster Families in Egypt

The Ministry of Social Solidarity announced that 453 children have been placed with alternative foster families since July 2024, part of a wider shift from institutional care towards family-based systems. The figure represents an increase of 132 children compared to the same period last year, when 321 placements were recorded.
With these additions, a total of 12,115 children are now under the care of 11,865 foster families across Egypt. The ministry said the move is designed to prioritise children’s welfare by ensuring they grow up in family environments rather than institutional settings.
As part of broader reforms, the ministry has also reassigned management of several care facilities and orphanages to the Fund for Supporting Association and Civil Institution Projects to enhance oversight and ensure quality of care. These measures form part of a nationwide strategy aimed at expanding foster care, reducing reliance on institutional housing, and creating more supportive, family-focused care models.