- To Become a Foster Carer: 0800 023 4561
- Other Enquiries: 0800 085 2225
Transfer to FCA
Are you an existing foster carer currently registered to another fostering agency? Transferring to foster with FCA might be easier than you think!
Why choose to foster with FCA?
FCA is the UK’s largest Independent Fostering Agency.
With over 80 offices nationwide, we’re conveniently positioned to provide the highest level of local support to our foster carers. That means easy access to your Supervising Social Worker, as well as a wide range of additional professional support services that you get with our Team Parenting® approach to foster care.
Support really is at the heart of what we do. From our beginnings in 1994, we have grown to produce successful outcomes for over 2,500 looked after children across the UK, some of whom have come into our care with challenging needs and complex histories. We also offer ongoing training and development opportunities for our foster carers, as well as a competitive fostering fee.
Find out more about why you should transfer to FCA on our Why FCA? page.
How do I transfer to FCA?
Firstly, it depends whether or not you currently have a child or young person placed with you.
No, I do not currently have a child or young person placed with me.
You are simply required to give 28 days notice in writing to your existing fostering agency, Local Authority, or Trust, informing them of your resignation from that agency. Please note that once you have handed in your notice and made a formal application to FCA, we will contact your existing agency to request a fostering reference.
Yes, I do have a child or young person placed with me.
FCA places the needs and best interests of the looked after child or young person firmly at the heart of our policies. We therefore encourage and support the best models of practice for transferring between fostering agencies that will be outlined and governed by your current Local Authority, Trust or Independent Agency, and any applicable industry-wide protocol.
Transferring to FCA might be easier than you think!
If you are an existing foster carer currently approved by another fostering agency, you will still need to be assessed by FCA and the assessment will be presented to an FCA fostering panel before being approved to offer placements. However, that's not to say this process is long or arduous - you will have been through it before and know what to expect. It's our opportunity to gather as much information about you and your fostering experience as possible so that we can ensure safe and well-matched fostering placements in the future.
For further advice
Please contact FCA’s specialist fostering advisors for further information and advice about transferring to become an FCA foster carer. Call our freephone number 0800 023 4561, complete our short online enquiry form or email carerenquiries@thefca.co.uk.
For an impartial discussion about transferring to FCA please call us on 0800 023 4561 or enquire online today.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done and said to support us through our fostering journey."
“The warmth and enthusiasm of the Fostering Advisor who visited me in my home was a major consideration deciding to proceed with the application to foster for FCA.”
“We put out expressions of interest to a few agencies and also the Local Authority, but FCA came back the most quickly and professionally. They have continued to be an amazing agency to work for; long may that continue!”
