Can I change fostering agencies while I am still being assessed?

A move between fostering agencies during an assessment is possible, but it is not an automatic transfer. The agency you are considering must review the work completed so far, confirm that the assessment can continue on a sound basis, and decide whether any further enquiries are needed before making a recommendation.

The point at which you change agency can affect how straightforward the process is. If you have only had an initial visit or started gathering documents, the new agency may begin its own assessment process using the information already provided. If your assessment is well advanced, more material may be available to review, but the new agency will still need to satisfy itself that the information is complete, current and meets its own procedures and regulatory responsibilities.

Discuss the proposed move before withdrawing. Speak openly to your current supervising social worker or assessing social worker, and to the prospective agency. Ask both organisations to explain:

• which assessment documents and records can be shared;
• whether your consent is needed for each part of the information to be released;
• which checks, interviews or references have been completed;
• what information may need to be updated;
• who will be responsible for the next stage of the assessment; and
• how the change may affect the expected timetable.

Information cannot simply be passed over without regard to confidentiality and data protection. You may be asked to give written consent for records to be shared. It is sensible to keep copies of documents you have supplied and ask for a written summary of the work completed, rather than relying only on verbal assurances.

The new agency will carry out its own review. It is responsible for deciding whether the existing assessment evidence is sufficient. It may accept some of the work already completed, ask for clarification, or repeat particular elements where information is incomplete, out of date or was gathered in a way that does not meet its requirements. This does not necessarily mean starting from the beginning, but you should not assume that every part will transfer unchanged.

The review may include your motivation to foster, household circumstances, relationships, accommodation, finances, health, safer-care understanding and ability to meet the needs of children. Checks and references may also need attention. For example, a new agency may need to confirm that statutory checks remain valid, obtain an updated medical report or seek further information where circumstances have changed. Household members and other adults who are relevant to the assessment may also need to take part in further discussions or checks.

Consider why you want to move. Valid reasons can include a change in circumstances, concerns about communication or support, a difference in approach, or deciding that another agency is better suited to your fostering plans. You should be able to explain your reasons honestly. If there is an unresolved safeguarding, conduct or suitability concern, it is particularly important that the new agency understands it. Changing agency does not remove information that must be considered as part of a fostering assessment.

Do not stop engaging with the current agency until you know what will happen next. Until the move is formally agreed, your current agency remains responsible for managing the assessment. Ask for confirmation of any notice requirements, the date responsibility will end, and the point at which the new agency will take over. A gap in communication can create avoidable delays or lead to duplicated work.

Training may be recognised, but gaps can remain. Introductory or preparation training you have completed may be taken into account, particularly if attendance and learning outcomes are recorded. The new agency will decide whether it meets its requirements and whether you need additional preparation. This may be necessary if the agency uses different procedures or identifies an area requiring further development.

If the assessment has already reached fostering panel or an agency decision maker, ask specifically whether the new agency would accept the existing recommendation or require its own assessment and panel consideration. A recommendation is not the same as approval, and approval can only be granted by the responsible agency through its own decision-making process.

Before agreeing to transfer, compare the practical arrangements as well as the assessment process. Ask about the agency’s expectations, training programme, supervision arrangements, support structure, complaints procedure and financial terms. Confirm any costs you may be responsible for and whether previously completed training or work will be recognised. These points should be clear before you formally end the existing assessment.

Become a Foster Family can discuss your circumstances, explain the information needed to review an assessment in progress and help you understand which parts of the process may need to be completed again. The best next step is to provide an accurate account of the work already undertaken and agree a written handover plan with both agencies.