This conversation provides an in-depth exploration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, highlighting its significance, cultural practices, and the various ways it is celebrated across different religions. Let's share insights into the history, traditions, and community involvement during Diwali, and talk about the importance of family and spirituality in the celebrations.

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Samina and Tania—two Muslim foster carers who speak with warmth, honesty, and humour about what it means to foster with faith. We talk about identity, misconceptions, cultural traditions, caring for young people with different beliefs or experiences (including LGBTQ+ children), and the realities of Ramadan in a busy household. This is a conversation rooted in personal stories, not assumptions, and it's all about making space for every child and every carer.

Key Points

• Misconceptions matter: Muslim foster carers are often unfairly judged as “strict” or “oppressive”—this episode helps challenge that with real lived experiences.
• Culture vs Religion: Many things attributed to Islam are actually cultural. This distinction is important when assessing, matching, or supporting foster carers and young people.
• Fostering LGBTQ+ children: Faith doesn’t mean exclusion. Samina and Tania share how they've cared for young people exploring their identity with love, flexibility, and safety.
• Routine, flexibility and warmth: Ramadan isn’t just about fasting—it’s about structure, togetherness and celebration. These elements can help build safe, connected family life for all young people, regardless of faith.
• Open conversations are key: Whether it’s about hijab, prayer, pork, or pronouns—just ask. Carers welcome questions when they’re asked with kindness and curiosity.
• Matching matters: What makes a placement work isn’t always culture or religion—it’s personality. The right fit is about connection, not just checkboxes.
• Children are children: Look past labels. Muslim, non-Muslim, LGBTQ+, traumatised, teenager, toddler—see the child first. Listen to them. Be their voice.

In this powerful episode, we dive deeply into the emotional reality behind allegations faced by foster carers. Joined by foster carer Lisa, the investigating social worker, Valencia and Supervising Social Worker Jeanne, we unpack the practical steps, emotional journey, and critical lessons learned when navigating the challenging territory of allegations. Lisa bravely shares her personal experience—from the shock of the initial phone call to the anxious wait for outcomes—highlighting the importance of support, transparency, and resilience. This honest conversation sheds light on a rarely discussed yet crucial aspect of fostering, offering insights and comfort for anyone involved in fostering.

Allegations, Emotional Resilience, Standards of Care, Foster Carer Experience, Investigation Process