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Transferring fostering agencies FAQs

Browse the most common topics about transferring fostering agencies. Get in touch if you have questions of your own, or you’d like to know more on how to become a foster carer for National Fostering Group.

FAQs

Transferring to us from another foster agency or local authority

  • Do I have to have a formal assessment to transfer to a new fostering agency?
  • Do I need experience of fostering to transfer to National Fostering Group?
  • Can I transfer if I already foster a child with another agency?
  • Can I transfer if I already foster a child with a local authority?
  • Can I transfer to a private fostering agency from a local authority?
  • How do I transfer to another fostering agency?
  • Why should I transfer to National Fostering Group?
  • How long will it take to transfer to another foster agency?
  • What are the benefits of transferring to a new foster agency?
  • Will I be offered training if I transfer to a new foster agency?

Transferring to us from another foster agency or local authority

Do I have to have a formal assessment to transfer to a new fostering agency?

Yes, but it should be a faster process than your first ever application as a new foster carer. You’ll need to provide us with your original Form F (from your current provider) and we’ll go through it with you. You’ll also have the usual checks, like a health and finance check. Your application for transfer will go to a Fostering Panel for approval. If you are currently fostering a child with your current provider, it will take slightly longer in order to assess the welfare requirements of your foster child. Read more about your transfer assessment.

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Do I need experience of fostering to transfer to National Fostering Group?

If you were accepted by a local authority or fostering agency, but never foster a child with them, that’s fine – you can still transfer. We value experienced foster carers who want to transfer – and we also value people who are at the start of their fostering journey. We offer excellent training to all foster carers, regardless of their experience. You’ll build experience up soon enough!

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Can I transfer if I already foster a child with another agency?

You can, yes. The main priority during a transfer is the welfare of the child. You and your current foster agency will attend a meeting with all other parties who are involved in the care of the foster child. This meeting will explore any potential impact and if it’s in the child’s best interests to remain in your care as you move to another foster agency. The meeting will also agree and plan the practicalities of how this will happen. Read more about how to transfer if you have a child in your care.

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Can I transfer if I already foster a child with a local authority?

You can, yes. The main priority during a transfer is the welfare of the child, so everyone involved in the care of the foster child – including you – will discuss the potential impact and if it’s in the child’s best interests to remain in your care as you move to a foster agency. All parties will also agree and plan the practicalities of how this will happen and how the foster child’s care plan will be followed.  Read more about how to transfer if you already foster a child.

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Can I transfer to a private fostering agency from a local authority?

You’re perfectly within your rights to transfer to a private fostering agency from a local authority provider. You won’t have a black mark against your name for doing so; local authorities want what’s best for a foster child and we work very closely with them to match high quality foster carers like you to children who need a home. Read more about how to transfer to a private fostering agency.

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How do I transfer to another fostering agency?

If you plan to join us, start by getting in touch with the National Fostering Group agency office closest to you. We have teams in every region. You can speak to a fostering professional who will be able to share their experience and give you all the information you need to make a decision. From here, it’s a relatively simple process – we will go over your Form F with you, complete the usual checks, attend a Fostering Panel for approval, and complete your basic training. Read more about transferring to another agency.

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Why should I transfer to National Fostering Group?

If you’re looking for a fresh challenge, or you’re keen to make the most of your skills, transferring might be a good move for you. We are the largest independent fostering agency, spanning all regions of the UK, with fantastic resources. Experienced and committed to excellence, we provide solid support and first class training, plus a range of different types of foster care, among other benefits. Read more about the reasons why you should transfer to us.

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How long will it take to transfer to another foster agency?

We appreciate you’re experienced and raring to go, so we make every effort to approve your foster carer transfer as quickly as possible. The transfer application process is simpler than if you were new to fostering, and we aim to have you approved within four to five months. Read more about what’s involved in transferring foster agency.

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What are the benefits of transferring to a new foster agency?

Foster carers want to transfer to a new foster agency for a range of different, personal reasons. These include feeling like they have more to offer than current provision allows. Or they want to be challenged and helped to make more of their skills. The current provider might not offer a type of fostering they are interested in. Whatever the reason, it’s an avenue worth exploring if you have itchy feet and something doesn’t feel right. Read more about how transferring to a new foster agency could be beneficial.

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Will I be offered training if I transfer to a new foster agency?

Yes, as much as you want! All our foster carers – new and those transferring – are offered three-day basic training (Skills To Foster). It’s an excellent induction into how we operate and you get to meet other local carers. After that, you can choose from wide range of different courses, which take place at local venues or online. Our most popular courses include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and supporting young people with Autism and Asperger’s. Read more about training when you transfer to a new foster agency.

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Moving to NFA Midlands (a National Fostering Group agency) has been the best thing we could have done. We'd been fostering already for a couple of years, and were pretty happy plodding along.

However, I had a good friend around the corner who fostered for NFA and couldn't rate them higher! She was so thrilled with her experience with them that, after almost a year of trying to persuade us to transfer, we finally made the swap! We'll never look back!

Support for foster carers is exceptional. Training is informative and easily accessible, and all staff members are highly committed to their role!

Hayley, foster carer

Why change foster agency?

Founded more than two decades ago, we are the largest fostering agencies in the UK working with local authorities to provide safe homes where foster children can thrive.

Most of our local fostering agencies have been rated as GOOD by Ofsted (applicable to England and Wales only), with almost a quarter rated as OUTSTANDING.

We pay our carers a generous fostering allowance – the average is around £22,000 per annum, tax free, and we have provision for bridging payments between placements, which many other agencies don’t offer. We encourage you to further your career as a foster carer through training and provide opportunities to gain new skills or experience in all types of foster care, some of which can attract a higher fostering allowance.

All our foster carers have access to a wide range of additional perks and benefits, from high street discounts to exclusive leisure deals.

Transferring fostering agency to National Fostering Group is a way to revitalise your love for what you do, with a level of support from a local team who cares just as much as you do.  Get in touch today.

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