Polly Talks Adoption & Fostering
Jun 5, 2026 · 52 min · 10 segments
In this heartfelt episode of *Polly Talks*, Polly sits down with Louise Allen, a mum, foster carer, and care-experienced individual, to explore the foster care system from a truly unique perspective…
Louise AllenGuestPollyHostAnd you talk quite a lot about your journey with fostering and s- and are very vocal.
I think it's probably fair to say sometimes a little controversial [laughs] um-
-with some of the things that you say.
But I suppose, um, one of the things I, uh, admire is that you're really open about some of the like, the real strengths, the joys, like the example you've just given, and some of the challenges, I suppose.
And it's really por-important, I think, to be listening to the people who are doing it.
Like, that's how, um, the system can change.
That's how we can offer support.
Um, and one of the things I think is really important is recognizing the supports that need to be in place, right, for foster carers.
You see, in all my other careers, being vocal is what we do, you know? [laughs]
Yeah.
[laughs] Praised for it.
Yeah.
[laughs]
Yeah
You know, 'cause I work in the creative industries, that you by saying nothing, nothing changes.
So when I came into fostering, I became vocal, but I, I was still just being my normal self.
And I think what I started to see was really good people, amazing foster carers, feeling like they were pushing mountains really slowly to get what they needed for the children and young people.
And you talk quite a lot about your journey with fostering and s- and are very vocal.
I think it's probably fair to say sometimes a little controversial [laughs] um-
-with some of the things that you say.
But I suppose, um, one of the things I, uh, admire is that you're really open about some of the like, the real strengths, the joys, like the example you've just given, and some of the challenges, I suppose.
And it's really por-important, I think, to be listening to the people who are doing it.
Like, that's how, um, the system can change.
That's how we can offer support.
Um, and one of the things I think is really important is recognizing the supports that need to be in place, right, for foster carers.
You see, in all my other careers, being vocal is what we do, you know? [laughs]
Yeah.
[laughs] Praised for it.
Yeah.
[laughs]
Yeah
You know, 'cause I work in the creative industries, that you by saying nothing, nothing changes.
So when I came into fostering, I became vocal, but I, I was still just being my normal self.
And I think what I started to see was really good people, amazing foster carers, feeling like they were pushing mountains really slowly to get what they needed for the children and young people.
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