Anyone who has been approved as a foster Carer will realise that it is a very detailed, time consuming and sometimes intrusive process which can take between 4-6 months. Despite going through this rigorous process, every year there are a number of approved foster carers who decide to move from their current agency or even give up fostering completely!

There are numerous reasons behind the breakdown of relationships between a foster carer and their agency. Government advice suggests that before you chose an agency you need to speak with, and compare several agencies to ensure you are happy with your eventual choice. Many foster carers did not have the opportunity to ‘shop around’ and eventually become dissatisfied with aspects of their relationship with their agency.
Other reasons may include; the infrequency or mis-matching of placements, issues with their supervision or support, poor training, dissatisfaction with their remuneration package.
If you feel that issues between you and your agency cannot be resolved; the decision to transfer foster agencies is one you have very right to make and you cannot be forced to stay by your current agency whether you have foster children in placement or not!

Once you have made the decision to leave your current agency you will be required to enter the assessment process again, however, if your previous Form F assessment is available you can often move through this process much more quickly.

Where you have children in placement, the overriding concern will be the safety and stability of their placement. A meeting will be held within 28 days to discuss the transfer process and your current and proposed agency and the foster child’s social worker will agree transfer arrangements which minimise any disruption to your placement(s). The transfer process takes between 2-4 months and during this time you will continue to be supported financially by your current agency.

If you are considering changing fostering agency, Fostering Connections are able to match you and your family with the most appropriate local agencies, negotiate the best fostering package available and support you through the transfer process. Simply complete our enquiry form and we will take it from there!