How to Transfer to FCC
Are you unsure about how to transfer foster care agencies? Many foster carers don’t know how to transfer from one foster care agency to another, that’s why we’re sharing this guide to help you understand what you would need to do become a foster carer with The Foster Care Charity (FCC).
Whether you’re dissatisfied with your current foster care agency/Local Authority, or feeling unsupported, we’re here to help you throughout the transfer process and beyond. We promise a smooth transition, providing full support for you, your family, and any children in your care.
At The Foster Care Charity, we understand the importance of finding an agency which provides the support you require whilst also matching your ethos and values. Find out more about the process to transfer foster care agencies and what we can offer you.
Understanding the Need for Transfer
Are you considering transferring foster care agencies? There are probably a number of reasons which have led you to research other fostering agencies. Perhaps you are seeking better support and resources, or you are just ready for a change. We know there are various factors that can influence your decision.
If you are a foster carer that wants to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people, with the backing of a highly supportive fostering agency, then we would love to hear from you.
Questions About Foster Carer Transfers
You may feel slightly anxious or overwhelmed by what you have to do to transfer to a new fostering agency. However, we are committed to making this process as seamless as possible for you. Typically, the assessment process takes approximately three months. During this time, we support you, taking the stress away from the transfer process, allowing you to focus on what matters most: caring for the children and young people that you look after.
If you currently have children in placement, we will arrange a Transfer Protocol Meeting early in the process. In this meeting we will discuss the needs of the children in your care and how to secure their future placement with you. We will also conduct a thorough review of the allowances and benefits you currently receive to ensure that transitioning to The Foster Care Charity will not impact you financially.
We understand that you may still have concerns about transitioning to a new agency, and we’re here to offer our full support. We want you to feel confident about the process and be able to confide in us with your worries, so that we can provide the reassurance and assistance you need. We won’t reach out to your current agency until you’ve confirmed your desire to transfer and formally submitted an application to us. Your peace of mind and smooth transition are our top priorities.
We offer a warm and welcoming environment for both new and transferring foster carers. Through personal support and comprehensive training, the wellbeing of our foster carers and the children they look after is very important to us.
Foster carers who transfer, like all our foster carers, receive one-to-one support from a dedicated and experienced Supervising Social Worker (SSW), who is there to advocate on behalf of you and your fostering family. Your SSW will be your main point of contact throughout the transfer process and in your role as a foster carer with us. This allows you to build a close relationship and enables open and honest communication. No matter where you transfer from, you will join our friendly and supportive fostering network, a community that shares useful information and learns from each other.
No matter where you are in your decision-making process, you can always seek confidential support and guidance about transferring from our team here at The Foster Care Charity. The decision to transfer fostering agencies is not one to take lightly. We will be happy to help you with any concerns you may have.
Whether you have questions about how to transfer, or need reassurance, we’re dedicated to providing the support you need every step of the way. Please get in touch to start a conversation with one of our experienced and knowledgeable team.
Throughout the transfer process, you will continue to be paid by your current agency, for any children you have in placement. Our team will conduct a thorough review of the allowances and benefits you currently receive to ensure that you are being paid fairly. We assess the transition from your current agency to FCC, looking for any financial impact that may be a disadvantage to you. You will not be paid less than you are currently paid, for any children in placement who transfer to FCC with you. Get in touch and let’s talk about your situation and your foster carer payments.
It is very important that we all adhere to fostering protocols when a foster carer decides to transfer to a new foster care agency.
The Supervising Social Worker that we assign to help you with the transfer process, will be there to help you to understand the obligations of your current agency during the transition process. They can also help ensure you are able to access any resources or information that you may require during this transition time.
Central to our ethos as a not-for-profit fostering agency is our commitment to ensure the best possible care for the children and young people who are looked after by our foster families.
Here at The Foster Care Charity, our dedicated team will get to know your family. So, if your SSW is on annual leave or unavailable for any reason, there is always someone at the other end of the phone who knows you, knows your family, and is able to help and support you.
Our fostering families are at the centre of our fostering community; from events, support groups, carer forums and designated SSWs, 24/7 support is always available for our foster carers – day or night.
All our foster families have free membership of The Fostering Network – TFN provide a range of services for foster carers, including help with finance, tax and legal issues, stress support, specialist training and a series of discounts on products such as home insurance and mortgages.
Ensuring a Seamless Transfer Process
Our team has plenty of experience ensuring a smooth, efficient, and hassle-free transition for foster families. From initial contact to completing assessments, we provide ongoing support at every step of the journey.
Your Supervising Social Worker (SSW) will be there throughout your journey, guiding you through the fundamentals of how to transfer fostering agency, and offering you further advice and support along the way.
Our Vision
“To make a positive impact on children’s lives and enable them to achieve their full potential, have a sense of belonging, and grow as individuals.”
