How do I transfer fostering agency?
Fostering Transfer Protocols And Your Right To Transfer
As a foster carer, you have the right to choose which fostering service you work with – and that includes the right to transfer to another agency if you feel it is the best decision for you and the children in your care. There are clear fostering transfer protocols for England, Scotland and Wales that further detail your rights.
Whether you’re seeking better support, improved communication, or a closer match to your fostering values and goals, transferring agencies could help you continue on your fostering journey with confidence. If you already have young people placed with you, their best interests and welfare will always be the top priority – and fostering services are required to work together to ensure a smooth and respectful transition.
The Fostering Transfer Protocol is designed to protect your rights, and the wellbeing of any children involved in the transfer process.
How long will the transfer take?
As a current foster carer, your assessment with TACT will be fast-tracked.
The transfer process may be slightly different depending on which fostering service you’re transferring from or if you’re transferring with a child or young person.
Once we have more information on your situation, we will be able to give you more accurate timescales but rest assured it will likely be much faster than your first initial assessment.
Here are the transfer steps:
1. Make an enquiry
Start by making an enquiry using the form on this page, or by calling us on 0330 123 2250.
If you are using our form, select ‘I am currently a foster carer’.
2. We will contact you
We will make contact with you, and discuss the full process and answer any questions that you may have.
3. Initiate the transfer
If after talking to us it is decided that the transfer should go ahead, you should inform your current agency or local authority of your wish to transfer, if you haven’t done so already.
We will also make contact with your current fostering service in order to initiate the transfer.
4. Fast Track Invitation
We will invite you to a fast-track meeting.
You will not need to take our Skills To Foster course – although you are more than welcome to participate if you wish!
5. Assessment
We undertake the assessment process with you.
A TACT foster carer’s perspective
What is a Fostering Transfer Protocol?
The Fostering Transfer Protocol was initiated by The Fostering Network, along with key members from the fostering sector, to produce a working guide for fostering organisations whose foster carers wish to transfer to other agencies or local authorities.
There are different transfer protocols for England, Scotland and Wales (Cymru), but essentially they all cover these main principles:
- All foster carers have the right to transfer between fostering providers
- Fostering services must not pressure or coerce foster carers with a young person in placement to transfer to them
- If a foster carer does have a child in placement at the point of a potential transfer, the needs and wishes of that young person must take priority
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