Can I change fostering agencies if my current agency objects?

Yes. A foster carer can usually apply to transfer to another fostering agency even when their current agency objects. However, the objection cannot simply be ignored: the reasons must be examined, particularly if they relate to safeguarding, concerns about standards of care, an unresolved allegation, a placement, or a forthcoming review.

An objection does not automatically mean that you have done anything wrong or that a transfer is impossible. It means the agencies need to establish whether moving at that point would be safe and in the best interests of any child placed with you. The outcome will depend on the facts of your situation, the nature of the objection and the views of the relevant local authority.

Why might a fostering agency object?

A current agency may raise concerns if it believes that:

• there is an unresolved safeguarding concern, allegation or complaint;
• you are subject to an outstanding review, investigation or action plan;
• important information has not yet been fully considered;
• a child could be unsettled or placed at risk by a change at that time; or
• the proposed transfer has not followed the appropriate fostering transfer process.

An agency should be able to explain the basis of its objection. You can ask for the concern to be set out clearly and for the agency to identify what needs to happen before the transfer can be considered. You should also be given the opportunity to provide relevant information and correct factual inaccuracies.

What happens after an objection?

The proposed new agency will normally discuss the situation with your existing agency. Both agencies may need to review your fostering records, approval history, training, supervision information and any current concerns. If you care for a child placed by a local authority, that authority will usually need to be involved as well.

The agencies should distinguish between a genuine safeguarding issue and a disagreement about the fact that you want to leave. An agency cannot make the transfer decision solely by asserting that it objects; the practical and welfare issues need to be considered through the relevant procedures.

Depending on the circumstances, the transfer may be:

• agreed and progressed once the required information has been shared;
• paused while an investigation, review or other formal process is completed;
• delayed while arrangements are made to protect the stability of a child in placement; or
• declined by the proposed agency if it cannot safely accept responsibility.

A delay is not the same as a permanent refusal. Ask for the reason for any pause, the steps required to resolve it and whether there is a planned review of the position.

What if I have a child placed with me?

If a child is living with you, the transfer must take account of their safety, relationships, education, health and emotional stability. The local authority responsible for the placement may need to decide whether the placement should continue during discussions and what support or safeguards are required. You should not end a placement or make a major change to arrangements without obtaining proper advice from the responsible professionals.

Your current agency remains responsible for supervising and supporting you until responsibility is formally transferred or another arrangement is agreed. The proposed agency should not present the move as complete until the necessary checks, records, approvals and notifications have been dealt with.

What should I do if I disagree with the objection?

• Ask your current agency to explain the objection in writing, including any outstanding actions or decisions.
• Ask the proposed agency what information it needs and whether it can continue considering your application.
• Keep copies of correspondence, meeting notes and documents connected with the proposed move.
• Take part in any review or meeting and give a clear, factual response to the concerns raised.
• Ask how the child’s care will be protected while the agencies reach a decision.
• Use the agency’s complaints procedure if you believe the process has been unfair, inaccurate or inconsistent with its duties.

You may also wish to obtain independent advice from a solicitor or an organisation that advises foster carers, particularly where the objection concerns an allegation, approval status, a formal review or the proposed ending of a placement. An independent adviser can help you understand the implications without taking the place of the agencies’ safeguarding responsibilities.

Do not resign from your current agency simply to force the issue. Resignation may affect your approval and could create additional uncertainty for any child placed with you. It is generally safer to clarify the objection, resolve outstanding matters and agree a documented transfer plan before responsibility changes.

When a transfer is accepted, the new agency will need to satisfy itself that you meet its fostering requirements and that it can safely support your household. Your approval is not transferred as an automatic entitlement; the new agency must complete the required checks and make the relevant arrangements before accepting responsibility. A clear explanation of the objection and evidence that outstanding matters have been addressed can help the new agency assess your application fairly.

If you are considering a move and your agency objects, our team can talk through the stages involved, the information likely to be requested and the questions to raise with both agencies. We support prospective foster carers across the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Dudley, Sandwell, Herefordshire, Telford, Wolverhampton, Shropshire, Walsall, Warwickshire, Stoke, Solihull, Coventry and Gloucestershire.