how to transfer from your current foster agency

thinking of transferring from a fostering agency?

You’ve already made the incredible decision to make a difference and become a foster carer.

Perhaps you’re already fostering with a local authority in our Foster Wales network, considering moving to Wales or fostering with an independent fostering agency.

If you’re debating a fostering transfer, you’ve come to the right place! Here, we’ve outlined some of the key aspects to consider when transferring from a foster agency to local authority.

In local authority fostering, we support and value our foster carers, without making a profit.

Find out what Foster Wales has to offer you.

how to transfer foster care agencies

We understand that, for many foster carers, a fostering transfer can feel daunting. This is why we’ve broken it down into a step-by-step process.

1. Talk it over – transferring from foster agency to local authority starts with a chat. This is your chance to ask us any initial questions and find out whether we can offer what you’re hoping fostering can be. We’re always happy to talk and provide additional information – anything you need, until you’re happy with your choice.

2. Decide to transfer – once you’re comfortable in your decision to transfer to us, you’ll need to let both your current fostering agency and our local authority team know. This normally includes notifying your current agency in writing. If you currently have a child in your care, you’d need to speak to their social worker too.

3. Re-assessment – once you’ve expressed your desire for fostering transfer, your local authority team will re-assess your suitability. We can cut down the length of time this will take by requesting your previous assessment, your last annual review or other fostering records and a reference from your current agency, with your consent. It’s also helpful if you can provide us with any documents that you hold. This can all take place while you continue to foster under your current approval.

4. Final decision – It’s time for panel. The last step of transferring fostering agencies is submitting the formal resignation to your current agency, which serves as your month’s notice, while you attend the local authority fostering panel. This means that when you are approved, the transition between your agency and your local authority is as smooth as possible.

can you transfer with a child in your care

Yes, transferring from foster agency to local authority with a child in your care is quite normal – it simply adds a few small steps to the process. When you initially declare your fostering transfer intentions, the local authority will organise a meeting with you and the child’s social worker (they may be within the same team you are moving to, or a different local authority) to discuss the details of the transfer.

FAQs

how long does a fostering transfer take?

When you are transferring fostering agencies to one of our local authority teams, we try to make the process as seamless as possible. We know you likely have experience already and have already been through all the checks once, so we appreciate your patience. Normally, the whole process should take around three to four months.

do I need to complete another Form F when transferring from foster agency to local authority?

A lot of information can be transferred to your re-assessment, including all of the fostering experience and training you’ve gained. But we want to get to know each other too. It’s a good opportunity to get to know your new team.

Find out more: 10 reasons to foster with your local authority.