At Assured Fostering, we understand that the process of transferring fostering agencies can seem daunting. We want to assure you that your enquiry will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and we are here to offer our full support throughout the process, should you decide to join us.
Whether you have a child placed in your care or not, it is essential that you inform your current fostering agency in writing of your intention to transfer. The Fostering Network Transfer Protocol sets out the protection from unplanned moves that any child in your care can expect and it also details the various stages within the process. This protocol recommends the best practice guidelines to follow when a foster carer wishes to transfer from one local fostering agency to another in England and Wales. It is governed by several core principles, including the following:
The protocol recognises the principles of local and national childcare legislation and seeks to ensure that safeguarding the welfare of children is at the core of fostering policy and practice. The welfare of any child in placement is paramount.
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It recognises that foster carers have the right to freedom of movement between fostering services.
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It recognises that all fostering services should be committed to increasing the overall pool of foster carers through the active recruitment of people new to fostering.
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Throughout the transition process, we highlight the importance of open, honest and regular communication between all parties involved – you as the foster carer, your current fostering agency, and us at Assured Fostering.
During a fostering agency transfer, a child’s welfare is paramount. We are committed to making sure that this transition does not negatively affect a child’s experience in their foster home. Our regular communication with your current agency or local authority and your supervising social worker helps us to ensure that a child’s needs remain a priority.
If you are already a Foster Carer the process can be shorter than when you first applied. If you are considering transferring, please get in touch and we can talk you through the process which is relatively simple and straight forward and should not impact on any children you may already be caring for. When transferring to Assured Fostering you still have to go through the full application and assessment process however, this is usually shorter and smoother for transferring carers. As a foster carer, you already have the experience and can provide evidence that you meet the assessment requirements. In addition to this, there may be some training exemptions.
When you make the decision to transfer to us, we will request all of the information and references required from your previous fostering agency. We aim to make sure your transition is smooth and that we minimise the time you may feel like you’re ‘in limbo’, especially if there is a child placed at the time of transfer. Assured Fostering follows the guiding principles from The Fostering Network Transfer of Foster Carers Protocol England (2014). We encourage foster carers who are thinking about transferring to get in touch, ask questions and take your time to make your decision as this needs to be the right one for you, your family and children you are caring for.
If you have any questions about transferring over to us you can ask us anything here, or by emailing us at enquiries@assuredfostering.co.uk or by contacting one of our team – details below;
Office; 01204 808040
Registered Manager; Karen Foster – karen.foster@assuredfostering.co.uk – Tel; 07946604335
Senior Supervision Social Worker; Neil Raby – neil.raby@assuredfostering.co.uk – Tel; 07402379784
Administrator; Jody Carter – jody.carter@assuredfostering.co.uk – Tel; 07886151291