Can I change fostering agencies during a foster care assessment?

Changing fostering agencies during a foster care assessment is possible, but it should be handled formally and transparently. You will normally need to withdraw from the assessment with your current fostering service before another agency can consider your application, because fostering services must have a clear understanding of which organisation is responsible for assessing you.

Why might someone change agency? A change may be considered if the agency’s location, communication, assessment approach or expectations no longer suit your circumstances. You may also decide that you would prefer a different type of fostering service, such as a local authority service or an independent fostering agency. The decision should be based on the service you need and whether the agency can support the type of fostering you are considering.

It is sensible to raise your concerns with your assessing social worker or supervising social worker first. Some difficulties may be resolved by clarifying the assessment plan, changing the person leading the assessment or discussing what support will be available after approval. However, you are not required to continue with an organisation if you no longer have confidence in the process.

What to do before changing agencies

• Tell your current agency that you are considering withdrawing. Ask what steps are required to close the assessment formally.
• Ask for a written summary of the stage reached, including checks completed, training attended, references received and any outstanding information.
• Speak to the prospective agency before submitting a new application. Explain that you have already started an assessment and why you want to move.
• Give permission for relevant information to be shared between the agencies where appropriate. Personal information should be handled lawfully and securely.
• Confirm which documents and checks will need to be repeated and whether any parts of the assessment can be used.

The new agency will carry out its own suitability assessment. It may be able to take account of work already completed, but there is no automatic right for the assessment to transfer in full. Each fostering service remains responsible for the quality of its assessment and must be satisfied that the information is current, complete and reliable.

What may need to be reviewed again? The new agency is likely to revisit your household circumstances, motivation to foster, health, relationships, employment, finances, accommodation, support network and understanding of the needs of children in care. It may also repeat or update checks and references if the information is incomplete, has become out of date or does not meet its own requirements.

Checks can include criminal record checks, local authority checks, identity and address verification, health information, personal references and references from previous employers or other relevant organisations. A criminal record check may sometimes be transferable where the relevant conditions are met, but the new agency will decide whether it can rely on an existing check. You should not assume that a completed check, medical assessment or reference will automatically be accepted.

Training already completed may also be recognised, particularly if it covered the required subject matter and there is evidence of attendance. The new agency may still ask you to attend its own preparation training or complete additional sessions so that you understand its policies, procedures and support arrangements.

Will the previous agency be contacted? The new agency will usually need to know about your previous application and the reason it ended. It may request information from the former fostering service, particularly about the progress of the assessment, outstanding concerns, panel activity or any decision made about your suitability. Being open about the change is important. Moving agencies should not be used to conceal information or avoid an assessment issue, as this could affect the new agency’s confidence in the application.

If your first agency decided that you were not suitable to foster, or if the assessment ended because of a significant concern, the new agency will need to examine that information carefully. It may reach a different view after considering your circumstances, but it cannot simply disregard the earlier outcome. You should ask the new agency how it will review the previous assessment and what evidence it needs from you.

What happens to an assessment already sent to panel? If the assessment has reached fostering panel, the position can be more complicated. A panel recommendation is made for the fostering service that prepared the assessment and is not automatically transferable to another agency. If you move before a recommendation is made, the new service may decide to complete its own assessment. If you move after panel consideration or after a decision has been made, obtain specialist advice from both services before taking action.

You should also check whether any expenses, application arrangements or agreed appointments are affected by withdrawing. Do not end the first assessment until you understand what will happen next, particularly if you have already completed substantial preparation or provided sensitive information.

How long will the change take? The timescale depends on how much of the original work the new agency can reasonably use and whether checks or references need updating. Starting with a different agency may therefore add work or delay the assessment rather than allowing it to continue from the same point. This should be discussed before you make a final decision.

A change of agency does not remove the need to meet the same legal and safeguarding requirements. The new fostering service must still assess whether your household can provide safe, consistent and appropriate care, and whether fostering is suitable for everyone living in the home. Ask for a clear written plan covering the assessment stages, information to be transferred, checks still required, training and the likely next steps.

If you are unsure whether to move, discuss the decision with an independent adviser or fostering specialist as well as both agencies. A careful handover and full disclosure will help prevent avoidable duplication and ensure that the new assessment begins with an accurate understanding of your circumstances.