Can I change my fostering approach after approval?
Yes, you may be able to change your fostering approach after approval, but the process depends on the new approach and your fostering agency’s assessment requirements. Speak to your supervising social worker, who can explain whether further assessment, training, checks or an updated approval decision is needed.
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An approved foster carer can explore a different fostering approach, but the change must be agreed formally with the relevant fostering service. Your approval is linked to the type of fostering you are assessed and approved to provide, so you cannot usually move into a substantially different approach simply by making an informal request.
What counts as a change? The effect of a change depends on what you want to do. Moving from one type of fostering arrangement to another may involve a review of your approval, while a move from a local authority service to an independent fostering agency involves transferring your registration and records to a different organisation. A change in the age range, number of children, needs you can support or type of placement may also require your approval terms to be reconsidered.
Your supervising social worker should be your first point of contact. They can discuss the reasons for the proposed change, explain how it may affect your current approval and identify the information the fostering service needs. This conversation is also an opportunity to consider whether the new approach fits your household, employment, family responsibilities, skills and preferred level of involvement.
The usual process may include:
- Initial discussion: You explain why you are considering a different approach and what you hope to change.
- Review of your circumstances: The fostering service considers your experience, household arrangements, available space, support network and ability to meet the needs associated with the proposed approach.
- Further preparation: You may need additional learning, practical preparation or updated checks where these are relevant to the new type of fostering.
- Formal consideration: The fostering service decides whether your approval needs to be amended and whether the matter should be considered by its fostering panel or decision-maker.
- Written confirmation: Any agreed change should be recorded clearly, including the children or young people you are approved to care for and any conditions attached to your approval.
Not every change will require the same level of assessment. A relatively limited adjustment may be dealt with through an approval review, whereas a significant change may require more detailed evidence and consideration. The fostering service should explain the reason for each stage and tell you what information it needs before a decision is made.
If you are considering moving to another fostering agency, do not assume that approval transfers automatically. The two organisations will need to discuss the transfer, share relevant records with the appropriate consent and make arrangements for any children currently living with you. Continuity of care is important, so the move should take account of existing placements, contact arrangements, delegated responsibilities and the views of the professionals involved.
You should also compare the practical terms of the new approach before committing to it. These can include the support structure, training expectations, placement criteria, insurance arrangements, fostering allowance and any other payments or expenses. Financial arrangements are set by the relevant fostering service and can differ, so ask for current written information rather than relying on figures from another carer or an older document.
A change of approach may not be suitable if it would reduce the stability or support available to a child already placed with you. For that reason, the fostering service may recommend that an existing placement continues under its current arrangements while the proposed change is assessed. Decisions should focus on safeguarding, continuity and your ability to provide consistent care.
If your request is not agreed, ask the fostering service to explain the decision and the options available to you. You can ask how to raise concerns through its complaints procedure and whether there is a formal review or reconsideration route. Keeping your supervising social worker informed throughout the process helps ensure that any change is properly assessed and recorded.
Your annual review is a useful opportunity to discuss whether your current fostering approach still suits your household and the experience you have gained since approval. You can use the review to reflect on the types of placements you have supported, the training you have completed and any areas in which you would like to develop.
Raise the possibility of a change with your supervising social worker before the review if you can. This gives the fostering service time to consider what evidence or preparation may be needed and to make sure your views are properly recorded. A review discussion does not change your approval by itself; any amendment must still be agreed formally and confirmed in writing.
It can help to prepare specific questions, such as:
- What would the proposed approach involve in practice?
- Would my current experience meet the requirements?
- What additional training or preparation would be expected?
- How would the change affect my future placement choices?
Taking these points to your review allows the decision to be based on your actual fostering experience rather than an assumption about what a different approach might involve.
Discuss changing your fostering approach
Contact Become a Foster Family to talk through your circumstances and understand what changing your fostering approach could involve. Our team can help you identify the appropriate next steps before you make a decision.