A foster mother has been banned from future fostering by her local authority after a Muslim girl in her care converted to Christianity. The woman, who had fostered more than 80 other children, insists she did not pressurise the 16 year old to change her religion. Although the foster parent is a Christian and attends church regularly, she claims it was entirely the girls own decision to convert and says she actually tried to discourage the interest at first.

The repudiation of one's faith, known as Apostasy, is strongly condemned in the Koran and is considered taboo in Muslim communities. However, many religious groups have condemned the council’s decision and some have gone so far as to say that Christians are now being discriminated against in these situations. There is a nationwide shortage of foster parents.