SUCCESS, TOGETHER
Are You Considering Transferring From Your Current Fostering Agency Or Local Authority?
If you are an approved foster carer thinking about transferring, you are not alone.
Many carers begin to question their agency when placements are inconsistent, communication feels limited, or support simply isn’t what it should be. Fostering is demanding enough — you should never feel unsupported, undervalued or left waiting without clarity.
At Fostering Hearts, we understand how frustrating it can be to be approved and ready to care, but not have children placed with you. We also understand how important consistent, meaningful support is — particularly when placements are challenging.
Why Foster Carers Transfer to Us
Carers choose to move to Fostering Hearts because they are looking for:
More personalised support
Clear communication
A stronger sense of belonging
Competitive fostering fees
A relationship-based approach
We are a family-run, independent fostering agency. Our supervising social workers support around six families, allowing for genuine, responsive and consistent guidance — not rushed check-ins.
We offer competitive fostering fees of:
£479.50 per week for children aged 0–10
£507.50 per week for young people aged 11+
Alongside this, we work proactively with Local Authority partners to secure appropriate placements and ensure thoughtful matching. While no ethical agency can guarantee placements, we prioritise active communication and transparency so you are never left uncertain about your position.
Thinking of Quitting Fostering?
If you are feeling disheartened or considering stepping away from fostering altogether, it may not be fostering that’s the problem — it may be the level of support around you.
We have welcomed many carers who were close to giving up. With the right guidance, community and communication, they rediscovered their confidence and continued making a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
Transferring agencies can feel like a big decision, but the process is straightforward and fully supported. Your experience, skills and commitment remain valuable — sometimes you simply need the right agency alongside you.
If you would like an informal, confidential conversation about transferring, we would genuinely welcome it.
You don’t have to stop fostering to find the support you deserve.
MISSION-DRIVEN
What are the right reasons to transfer agencies?
As an approved foster carer, you have the right to foster with whichever agency or local authority you feel best supports you. You should never feel obligated to remain somewhere that no longer feels like the right fit.
That said, transferring agencies is a significant decision. It involves time, paperwork and a formal process, so it’s important to reflect carefully before making a change.
Common reasons carers consider transferring include:
Feeling unsupported or unheard
Limited communication from their supervising social worker
Long gaps between placements without clarity
A lack of training or professional development
Wanting a more personal, relationship-based approach
Before beginning a transfer, it can be helpful to speak openly with your current agency about the concerns you have. In some cases, issues can be resolved through clearer communication or additional support, saving you the need to go through reassessment elsewhere.
At Fostering Hearts, we believe in transparency and doing what is genuinely best for carers. We would never encourage someone to transfer unless they feel confident it is the right step for them. Our aim is not simply to grow, but to build strong, long-term fostering relationships where carers feel valued and properly supported.
If, after reflection, you feel a different level of support would make a meaningful difference to your fostering journey, we are always happy to have a confidential and informal conversation about your options.
What Is The Process To Transfer Agencies
1
Call us For A Chat
It's important before making any big decisions you arrange a chat a home visit from us. You need to know we are what you are looking for, and we need to be sure we can provide you with what you are currently missing.
2
Being Reassessed
If you are transferring we will still have to do an assessment on you including background checks. We will then present the results of this assessment to our fostering panel who will recommend your approval or ask us for more information. We aim to complete a transfer within 2-3 months, it’s generally a lot 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 important to never just resign without letting your agency/local authority know, as 28 days later you are no longer a foster carer. This can cause huge issues if there's a child in placement and you haven't been approved by us. Therefore, always inform your agency or local authority that you intend to resign before formally submitting the paperwork.
Get To Know Us
We are nothing without the carers and staff who work tirelessly to provide us with the best possible care. Our culture is rooted in the unique personalities, skills and perspectives of our team members. We must recognize their important contributions and take a moment to introduce some of them.
Our Support Team
We are part of the Positive Aspirations Group, which means we are able to lean on their support teams for administration and finance. This means we get the best of both worlds - staying a small fostering agency, but having the resources of a much larger one.
Leadership Team
Our leadership team combines the skills an experience of Richard, Linda and Ahmez who help lead Positive Aspirations, with Melanie and Emma who run Fostering Hearts.
Some of our partners
Emma Rawlinson
Registered Manager
Melanie Yearwood
Responsible Individual
“Melanie has been part of our organisation for over 10 years, and oversees the operations of all 3 of our agencies. She has a passion for improving and inspiring everyone around her”
Richard Norwood
Agency Director
“Richard is responsible to the business’ side of things. He deeply cares that we are making a difference to everyone we work with ”
Do You Have A Fostering question?
Then Let's Book A Time For A Call
If you are thinking about fostering, or just have a question, then let’s have a quick chat