Will my supervising social worker change after transferring fostering agencies?

A change of fostering agency does not automatically mean that your supervising social worker will change. The new agency should consider whether your existing worker can continue supporting you, but the final arrangement depends on employment, registration and service arrangements. You should receive a clear explanation of who is responsible for supervising you and how your support will operate before the transfer is completed.

Your supervising social worker is employed or contracted by the fostering agency and is responsible for supporting you in your role as a foster carer. Their work can include supervision meetings, visits to your home, helping you reflect on placements, identifying training needs, contributing to reviews and advising you about safeguarding or placement concerns. Because these responsibilities sit with the agency, a transfer may require a different worker even where you have built a strong working relationship with your current one.

Your child’s social worker is a separate role. If you are already caring for a child, transferring agencies does not usually mean that the child’s social worker automatically changes. That worker is normally linked to the child’s placing local authority rather than your fostering agency. However, the transfer can involve communication between the agencies and local authorities so that everyone understands who is responsible for each part of the child’s care and your support.

If your current supervising social worker is able to continue, the new agency may still need to complete its own checks and agree how supervision will be managed. This may include reviewing the existing fostering records, confirming the worker’s role with the new agency and ensuring that the arrangement meets the agency’s procedures. Continuity can be helpful, but it should not be assumed until the new agency has confirmed it formally.

If a new supervising social worker is appointed, the change should be managed as a structured handover rather than treated as a completely new start. The new worker will need to understand your approval, household circumstances, training, previous supervision and the needs of any child placed with you. They may also want to discuss your preferred communication arrangements, upcoming meetings, current concerns and any practical support you need. You should have an opportunity to explain your experience directly rather than relying only on written information.

The timing of the change can depend on where you are in the transfer process. A new worker may be introduced before the transfer is finalised so that you know who to contact, or the existing worker may remain involved until the new agency formally takes responsibility. If you are in the middle of an assessment, annual review, training programme or placement-related process, ask how that work will continue and whether any meetings need to be rescheduled.

It is sensible to clarify the following points with the new agency:

• Who will be your named supervising social worker and who will provide cover if that person is unavailable?
• How often will supervision take place, and how will visits and records be managed?
• Who should you contact about an urgent safeguarding concern, a placement difficulty or an allegation?
• Which meetings, reviews or training activities are already planned?
• How will the agency keep in contact with the child’s social worker and other professionals involved in the placement?
• What will happen if the proposed supervising social worker is changed again?

A change in supervising social worker should not reduce the level of oversight or support required under your fostering arrangements. You should know how to raise concerns if contact becomes inconsistent, information is not being shared appropriately or you are unclear about responsibilities. Start with your supervising social worker or their manager, and use the agency’s complaints procedure if the issue is not resolved.

When considering a move, look beyond whether one particular worker can transfer with you. Ask how the agency organises supervision, how it maintains continuity when staff change, and how it supports foster carers during significant transitions. A clear structure, accessible management and accurate information-sharing are important safeguards, whether you retain your current supervising social worker or are introduced to someone new.