Transfer To A Fostering Charity

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Transfer To A Fostering Charity *

If you're already a foster carer with another agency or local authority, we'd love to welcome you to Community Foster Care. We understand that choosing the right fostering agency is a personal decision, and sometimes, your current agency may no longer feel like the best fit for you.

As a not-for-profit charity, we prioritise the needs of children and carers over profit, ensuring that every decision we make is guided by what’s best for the people we support. Our strong Therapeutic Approach means you’ll have access to therapeutic support, helping you navigate challenges with confidence and ensuring that the children in your care receive the best possible help to heal and thrive.

By transferring to us, you’ll be joining a charity that is dedicated to creating brighter futures for children and young people - one that truly invests in both its carers and the children they look after. If you’re thinking about making the move, we’d love to have a chat and help you explore whether we’re the right fit for you.

  • When you are letting your current agency know that you are looking to transfer, you must also notify the child's placing authority.

    The child's local authority will then arrange a Transfer Protocol Meeting within 28 days of receiving the request.

    We adhere to The Fostering Network's Transfer of Foster Carer Protocol.

  • Reach out to our team to enquire about the transfer and your options.

    After your enquiry, the initial visit will take place. The visit is a great chance to get know each other and/or answer any questions you may have.  We will not inform your current provider at this stage, we understand that changing agencies is a decision not taken lightly, we want to support you gather all the information you need and make sure that any move is the right one.

    Once you have decided you would like to transfer, and our social worker agrees, you will be invited to make an application.  You will need to let your current agency know of your intention to transfer once your application to CFC has been submitted.

    Our assessment will then begin, we will undertake all the usual checks and references including a reference from your current agency.  At Community Foster Care we use an assessment process which is aligned with our therapeutic approach, this assessment would typically take between 3 to 4 months.  Once completed you will be invited to attend Panel, where our independent members will consider your application.

    We advise that you do not submit your resignation to your current fostering agency until you have attended Panel, and been approved by our Agency Decision Maker.

Step 1 - Enquire

Reach out to us and start the conversation about transferring. Our experienced team will be able to guide you in the right direction. At this stage, we will not contact your current agency, as our focus is solely on gathering information and assisting you in exploring your options.

Step 2 - Initial Visit

Once the enquiry is made and we are ready to proceed, the next step is the initial visit by one of social workers. This allows us to discuss all your options and any other questions you may have.

Step 3 - Application

Once you’re certain you would like to transfer to us, you can then proceed by completing our application form.

Step 4 - Assessment

Once your application is submitted, you can then notify your current agency of your intent to transfer. After receiving your application, we’ll begin your assessment. You will also start working toward The Therapeutic Fostering Qualification (TFQ).

Step 5 - Panel

We will invite you to panel once your Therapeutic Fostering Assessment is completed. Your social worker will guide you throughout the process.

Step 6 - Transfer

As soon as you’re approved, you will need to formally resign from your current agency or local authority. Then the transfer will be complete.

Our Therapeutic Approach

At Community Foster Care, we understand that fostering is very different from parenting your own children, especially when many children in the care system have experienced significant trauma due to abuse, neglect, or disrupted early lives. These challenges can result in complex needs and behaviours.

As a trauma-responsive charity, we believe every interaction with a child is an opportunity for growth and healing. Our therapeutic approach to fostering is designed to support both the child and the foster carer, recognising that these children have had a different start in life.

By joining our charity, you'll be part of a community that offers the care and understanding needed to truly make a difference in their lives.

Read more about our Therapeutic Approach

Learn More about Transferring To Community Foster Care

Still have more questions?

Explore our resources, meet our carers, and learn more about our values to see if we’re the right fit for you.