CAIRO — Egypt has amended its Child Law, opening up the option of adoption and foster parenting to more people — including single women.

The amendments, passed Sept. 19, concern orphans and children of unknown parentage under Egypt's Alternative Family system. According to observers, the government is making the changes to confront the country's history of mistreatment and abuse of these children. The problem has been compounded in recent years by the financial strain shouldered by care facilities in light of the dire economic conditions gripping the country.

The Alternative Family system introduced in 2014 allowed only Egyptian married couples aged 60 or older to adopt or foster children. As per the new amendments, couples from 25 to 60 years of age are now eligible, provided they have been married at least three years and meet the conditions of the High Committee for Alternative Family — a government-formed committee presided over by a judge to look into adoption applications.

Single women also gained the right to adopt or foster under the amendments. Eligible applicants have to take training courses held by the Ministry of Social Solidarity for foster and adoptive parents.