Are there costs involved in a foster to foster transfer?

A foster to foster transfer does not normally involve a standard fee for the foster carer, but some expenses can arise depending on the agencies involved, the checks required and the circumstances of the move. Before agreeing to transfer, ask your current agency and the prospective agency for a written, itemised explanation of any costs, who will pay them and when they must be paid.

Possible costs may include:

• Additional checks or assessments: A new agency may need to complete or update checks, references, medical information, household assessments or safeguarding enquiries. Ask whether the agency will meet these costs or whether you could be asked to contribute.
• Training: Some previous training may be recognised, while other courses may need to be repeated or refreshed. Confirm whether training is provided without charge and whether travel or other expenses are included.
• Travel and practical arrangements: Meetings, assessments and training can involve travel. Check whether mileage, public transport, accommodation or other agreed expenses are reimbursed.
• Documents and administrative requirements: There may be costs associated with obtaining copies of documents or replacing items, although the agency should explain any such expense before it is incurred.

A change of agency can also have financial effects that are not transfer fees. Your fostering allowance, payments for specific skills or placements, equipment arrangements and reimbursement policies may differ between agencies. These points should be compared separately from the cost of transferring, as a transfer itself does not determine what you will receive from the new agency.

If a child is living with you, ask both agencies how costs connected with the child’s day-to-day care will be handled during the transfer. This may include clothing, travel, activities, equipment, school-related arrangements and approved expenses. Get confirmation of which agency is responsible during each stage, particularly if dates for approval, placement or payment do not change at the same time.

You should not assume that a verbal statement that the transfer is free covers every possible expense. Before signing paperwork, ask for clear answers to the following:

• Is there any fee for transferring your approval or making a new application?
• Who pays for checks, medical information, references and any required assessments?
• Will existing training be accepted, and are replacement courses free?
• Are travel and other agreed expenses reimbursed?
• When will the new allowance and expense arrangements begin?
• Will any money already paid for equipment, training or other approved costs be refunded or transferred?
• Could you incur a cost if you decide not to complete the transfer?

Keep copies of emails, agreements and receipts. If an agency proposes a charge, ask it to explain the contractual or administrative reason for the charge rather than relying on an informal estimate. You can then compare the total financial arrangements, not just the headline allowance, before deciding whether to proceed.

Become a Foster Family can explain the practical stages of a foster to foster transfer and help you identify the financial questions to raise with the agencies involved. As arrangements vary, any figures or responsibilities should be confirmed directly in writing as part of your individual transfer plan.