How do I begin transferring fostering agencies?

Begin by establishing whether a transfer is the right route for your circumstances, then make a clear, informed plan with the agency you are considering. The starting point is not simply completing a new application: it is understanding how the proposed agency would review your approval, current placements, support needs and safeguarding responsibilities.

1. Clarify why you want to transfer

Write down the practical reasons for considering a move. These may include the level of supervision, communication, training, out-of-hours arrangements, support for a particular type of placement, relationships with social workers, or concerns about how your needs have been handled. Being specific will help the prospective agency decide whether it can provide suitable support and will give you a useful basis for comparing agencies.

If there has been a serious disagreement, complaint, allegation, safeguarding issue or concern about your approval, explain this accurately. A transfer does not remove the need to address an ongoing matter, and withholding relevant information can create difficulties later in the process.

2. Check that the proposed agency is suitable

Before taking formal steps, ask the prospective agency how it approaches transfers and what information it will need. You should understand:

• how your fostering assessment and approval records will be reviewed;
• how it will assess your current skills, experience and training needs;
• how it supports foster carers with existing placements;
• who would supervise you and how supervision would be arranged;
• how allegations, complaints and safeguarding concerns are managed;
• what training and development would be expected after joining;
• how financial allowances and other payments are explained; and
• how the move would be coordinated with your current agency and the placing authority.

You can ask for the agency’s written information, policies and transfer timetable. You should also be told whether the agency believes your current approval terms are likely to remain appropriate or whether further assessment may be needed.

3. Arrange a detailed discussion

A proper discussion should cover more than your basic fostering history. Be ready to explain the ages and needs of any children placed with you, the length of each placement, the support currently in place, any planned moves, and any factors that could affect continuity. This includes household changes, health matters, employment changes, new pets, accommodation changes or other circumstances relevant to fostering.

It is reasonable to ask who will take responsibility for your support during the transfer and how information will be passed between professionals. If possible, ask to speak with the person who may supervise you so that you can understand their approach before making a decision.

4. Do not give notice before understanding the consequences

Your existing agency will normally need formal notice if you decide to leave. The precise procedure depends on your agreement and the circumstances, so read the relevant documents carefully and ask both agencies to explain the sequence of events. Giving notice too early, before the proposed transfer has been properly assessed, may create uncertainty about your approval and any children in placement.

You should not assume that approval automatically moves from one agency to another. The new agency must satisfy itself that it can safely support you and that the fostering arrangement remains suitable. It may need to review records, speak to relevant professionals and consider whether additional information or assessment is required.

5. Put children’s stability at the centre of the plan

If you have a child placed with you, the transfer must be considered alongside that child’s welfare and care plan. The placing authority, the child’s social worker and other relevant professionals may need to be involved. A move between agencies should not be treated as an administrative change if it could affect supervision, support, contact arrangements or the child’s sense of stability.

Ask how the proposed agency would maintain familiar routines and relationships during the change. The child may also have a view, depending on their age and understanding, and their wishes should be considered through the appropriate professionals.

6. Keep a written record

Keep copies of correspondence, meeting notes, forms, policies and any information about notice periods or financial arrangements. Make a list of questions before each discussion and record who is responsible for each next step. This helps identify gaps between the two agencies and gives you evidence of what has been agreed.

If you are unsure about your legal position, notice requirements, an allegation, a complaint or the effect on an existing placement, obtain independent advice before taking formal action. Your current agency, proposed agency, placing authority or a specialist fostering organisation may be able to explain the process, but you should ask specifically who can advise on the issue affecting you.

A well-managed transfer should leave you clear about the proposed agency’s expectations, the information it needs, the impact on any children placed with you and the steps required before the move can be completed. Do not proceed until those points have been explained and you are satisfied that the new arrangement is suitable for your household and the children you care for.