Can I speak to foster carers who have transferred agencies?

Speaking with a foster carer who has transferred agencies can give you a practical perspective that formal guidance cannot provide. Their experience may help you understand how a move felt from a carer’s point of view, what questions to ask and which parts of the process you should clarify before making a decision.

The conversation should complement, rather than replace, information from the fostering agency. Every transfer is different. The reasons for moving, the agencies involved, the carer’s approval and the needs of any children in placement can all affect the experience. One carer’s account is useful evidence, but it should not be treated as a guarantee that your own circumstances will be identical.

A foster carer may be able to discuss areas such as:

• How they compared agencies before deciding to move.
• What information they wanted before starting the transfer process.
• How communication was managed between the old and new agencies.
• Whether they felt involved in decisions affecting their household.
• How they experienced introductions to new staff and support arrangements.
• What they wish they had asked before transferring.
• How the move fitted around existing placements and family commitments.

It is also sensible to ask about the less visible aspects of agency membership. For example, you could ask how supervision was organised, how training needs were identified, how the agency responded when advice was needed and whether expectations were explained clearly. You can ask for an honest view without expecting the foster carer to disclose confidential information about a child, a birth family or another person.

Privacy and safeguarding boundaries matter. A foster carer should not be asked to identify children, describe personal histories or share documents from their former agency. The discussion should remain general and respectful. If a carer does not want to answer a particular question, that does not necessarily indicate a problem; they may simply be protecting confidential information or discussing a matter that is specific to their household.

Useful questions to prepare include:

• What information would you want before choosing an agency?
• Were the roles of the old and new agency explained clearly?
• What support was available while the transfer was being considered?
• How were meetings, assessments and decisions explained to you?
• Were there any practical arrangements you had not expected?
• What advice would you give someone considering a similar move?

Pay attention not only to the answers but also to whether the carer feels able to give a balanced account. A credible conversation can include both positive aspects and difficulties, together with an explanation of how concerns were handled. You can then compare what you hear with the written information provided by the agency and raise any differences with your supervising social worker or fostering enquiry team.

If you are considering fostering for the first time rather than transferring an existing approval, speaking to an experienced carer can still help you understand the everyday responsibilities of fostering. Make clear that you are researching the role, and ask questions about training, supervision, support networks and how fostering affects household routines. The agency should also explain its assessment requirements, approval process and financial arrangements directly, as these are matters that should not be judged solely from another carer’s personal experience.

Before arranging a conversation, ask how it will be introduced and what information will be shared about you. You should be able to decide how much personal information to disclose. A well-managed discussion gives you an additional viewpoint while preserving the confidentiality and safety of everyone involved.