Will my foster child be consulted about transferring agencies?

A foster child should be involved in discussions about an agency transfer whenever the change may affect them. The consultation should be suited to the child’s age, maturity, communication needs and understanding, and should explain what is changing, what is staying the same and how their day-to-day care may be affected.

The child’s views are important, but they do not usually have the final decision. A transfer of fostering agency normally concerns the foster carer’s approval and support arrangements. The child’s local authority remains responsible for their care plan and placement decisions. This means the child may not be able to veto a transfer, but their wishes and feelings should be properly considered before arrangements are confirmed.

The child’s social worker will generally be involved in deciding how and when consultation takes place. Depending on the circumstances, they may speak with the child directly, arrange a visit, involve the foster carer or use another trusted professional. A supervising social worker may also help explain the role of the new fostering agency and how support for the foster carer will operate.

Consultation should cover practical points such as:

• whether the child will continue living in the same foster home;
• who will visit and support the foster carer after the transfer;
• who the child can speak to if they are worried;
• whether any routines, household arrangements or contact plans will change; and
• how the child’s views will be recorded and taken into account.

Where the transfer does not involve a move, the child’s everyday life may remain largely unchanged. Even so, a change in professionals can feel significant, particularly for a child who has experienced several changes of carer or social worker. The adults involved should avoid presenting the transfer as a decision that has already been made without explanation. Information should be given in clear, age-appropriate language, with opportunities for the child to ask questions more than once if necessary.

A younger child may communicate through play, behaviour, drawings or a trusted adult rather than through a formal conversation. An older child or young person may want a private discussion and may have specific questions about confidentiality, contact with their social worker or the continuity of their placement. Any communication difficulty, disability, language need or cultural consideration should be taken into account when planning the consultation.

If the child is unhappy about the proposed transfer, their concerns should be explored rather than dismissed. The relevant professionals should consider whether the concern relates to the new agency, a fear of moving, a relationship with an existing worker or another part of the care arrangement. The reasons for the decision and the response to the child’s views should be recorded in the appropriate case records.

A child can also ask for help from an independent advocate, their social worker, independent reviewing officer or another trusted professional. Advocacy can be particularly useful where the child feels unable to speak openly to the adults involved, does not understand the proposed arrangements or believes that their views have not been taken seriously. Complaints and representation procedures should be explained if the child remains dissatisfied.

Before agreeing to a transfer, foster carers should ask how the child will be consulted, who will lead that discussion and how any concerns will be addressed. They should share relevant information with the professionals involved while respecting the child’s privacy. The aim is to make the transfer as clear and predictable as possible, while ensuring that the child’s welfare and the stability of their placement remain central.