Can I Transfer Agency?
Every foster carer's journey is unique, and you may find yourself asking, "When should I transfer fostering agencies?" If you're considering transferring, it's essential to weigh your options and make the best decision for your family and the children in your care. In this article, we'll discuss the right reasons for transferring agencies, the process, and how Fostering Hearts can provide you with the missing support you need to continue fostering with confidence.
Understanding the Right Reasons for Transferring Agencies
There are a variety of reasons you might be considering transferring from your current fostering agency, or local authority. Some potential reasons include:
- Receiving inadequate support
- Difficulty finding suitable placements
- Lack of appropriate training and development opportunities
- Seeking a better financial package
It's important to understand that you have the right to foster with whichever agency or local authority you prefer, but transferring agencies can be time-consuming and require significant effort. Before making a change, speak with your current agency about the support you believe they should be providing. They may address your concerns without needing to go through a reassessment at a new agency.
Fostering Hearts is dedicated to providing excellent support, including offering competitive financial packages (£450 for children aged 0-10; £475 for children aged 11+), and ensuring placements for all our foster carers. We believe that finding the right fit is crucial, and we encourage you to consider transferring to us if you feel it's necessary.
The Process to Transfer Fostering Agencies
If you decide that transferring agencies is the right decision for you, follow these steps:
1. Call Us for a Chat
It's essential to arrange a chat and home visit with us before making any big decisions. You need to know if Fostering Hearts can provide you with what you are currently missing, and we need to be sure we can support you properly. You can book a call to discuss your situation and understand your options.
2. Being Reassessed
Transferring to Fostering Hearts requires an assessment, including background checks. We will then present the results to our fostering panel, who will recommend your approval or ask for more information. Although this may seem daunting, we strive to complete a transfer within 2-3 months, generally quicker than initial assessments.
3. Letting Your Agency Know
If you have a child placed with you, there is a more complex process to resigning as a foster carer. It's essential not to resign without letting your agency or local authority know first. Inform them of your intention to resign before submitting the paperwork. Failure to do so can cause significant issues if there's a child in placement and you haven't been approved by us.
The Support You Get as a Foster Carer with Fostering Hearts
At Fostering Hearts, we believe that support should never be a reason to quit fostering. We are committed to providing the guidance and resources to help you succeed as a foster carer. By transferring to Fostering Hearts, you'll have access to:
- A dedicated team of experts, passionate about helping you meet the needs of the children you care for
- Ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your fostering skills
- A supportive and collaborative fostering community
In addition, our areas of coverage include the Home Counties, ensuring that we can provide localized support for carers in this region.
To discuss your options and find out more about transferring to Fostering Hearts, start the conversation with our team today. Remember, change can transform your fostering experience and ensure a better future for the children in your care.
