Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Morsy, chaired the Higher Committee meeting for Foster Families. This significant gathering, attended by senior officials, aimed to review the progress of the foster care system and discuss ways to support families interested in fostering children under the foster family system.
Ministry’s Vision
The meeting saw the participation of Dr. Mohamed Al-Aqbi, Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity for Strategic Communications and Media, Ms. Dina El-Siryfi, Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity for International Cooperation, and Counselor Karim Qalawi, the Ministry’s Legal Advisor. Additionally, committee members from various concerned ministries, including Justice, Foreign Affairs, Interior, Health and Population, and Education, as well as representatives from the Administrative Control Authority, the Public Prosecution, Al-Azhar, and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, were present.
During the meeting, Minister Dr. Maya Morsy emphasized that the primary goal of the foster family system is to provide comprehensive family care to children deprived of parental care, meeting their needs in an integrated manner that serves their best interests. She assured that the Ministry is committed to a comprehensive development strategy aimed at providing the best care for children and youth across Egypt, ensuring an improved quality of life for them.
Supporting Foster Families
The meeting also involved interviews with families that had submitted requests to foster children through the alternative family system. Dr. Morsy and committee members listened to the families’ reasons for fostering and discussed the guarantees they would offer to ensure the children receive a dignified and fulfilling life. The Minister confirmed that the Ministry is ready to provide all necessary support to foster families to ensure optimal care and well-being for the children.
The meeting also reviewed requests and grievances submitted by families, and decisions were made based on the principles of transparency and neutrality. Furthermore, the committee discussed various forms of support that could be extended to foster families, with several fostering requests being approved.
Statistics and Growth of the Foster Family System
The foster family system in Egypt has witnessed significant growth in recent years. As of January 2025, there are 12,323 children placed in foster care, and a total of 12,094 foster families across the country. The Ministry of Social Solidarity continues to provide essential support to these families, offering specialized training for prospective foster families to ensure they are equipped to provide the best care.
Additionally, the Ministry is actively monitoring the welfare of fostered children, regularly checking to ensure that foster families meet all their needs and that the children’s well-being is fully supported.
Specialized Training to Ensure Optimal Care
Training foster families plays a vital role in ensuring children receive the highest standard of care. The Ministry implements certified training programs for prospective foster families, following specialized curricula designed to prepare them for the responsibilities of fostering. The Ministry also provides ongoing support through its Social Solidarity Directorates to monitor fostered children and ensure that foster families meet their needs, safeguarding their best interests.
Dr. Morsy reiterated the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance and develop the foster family system in line with international standards. The Ministry is committed to providing safe, nurturing environments for all children in foster care, helping them to integrate socially and granting them the opportunity for a better future within families that provide the care and protection they deserve.
