A foster mother with 10 years' experience was struck off after a Muslim girl in her care converted to Christianity, it has emerged.
The woman has been banned by her local council for failing to prevent the teenager from getting baptised, even though the girl was 16 and made up her own mind to change religion.
The carer, a churchgoer in her 50s who has fostered more than 80 children, has now been forced to move out of her home.
She has lost the farmhouse she rented to look after vulnerable teenagers, due to the loss of income.
Another girl she was looking after has been taken back into care.
The woman, who has launched a legal challenge to the council's challenge, told the Daily Telegraph: "I just want to get my life back.
"I still hope to resolve this so that I can possibly foster again in the future as I simply enjoy helping young people."
Religious groups and fostering charities condemned the council's decision, which comes amid a nationwide shortage of foster parents.
Last year the Fostering Network launched an urgent appeal for more than 5,000 families to come forward.
The ruling has increased concerns that Christians are becoming victims of discrimination in Britain, following the case of Caroline Pstrie, the nurse suspended for offering to pray for a patient.
She was subsequently reinstated. >>> By Matthew Moore | Sunday, February 8, 2009
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