Let’s take a look at some common misconceptions about transferring foster agencies, and hear from our foster parents what it’s really like to transfer to FCA.
Why do people transfer fostering agencies?
- There are many reasons why families decide it’s time to transfer to a new fostering agency. These include:
- You find yourself waiting a long time between matches.
- The financial support you currently get is lacking.
- You feel like a cog in a big machine, and like your foster family’s needs aren’t being met.
Did you know?
When you transfer from your local authority to an independent fostering agency, you’re more than likely to be offered a more generous fostering allowance.
5 Common Myths about Transferring Foster Agency
“The transfer process will be too time consuming.”
As an experienced foster parent, we know you are committed to changing the lives of young people that desperately need a safe and loving home. That’s why we’ll fast-track your application to transfer to us, aiming to complete the process within 12 weeks of your initial enquiry. Our streamlined process makes everything as simple as possible, so you can enjoy being part of FCA’s fostering community and all its benefits in no time at all.
“The transfer process will be difficult and complicated.”
As an experienced foster parent, there is already a lot to think about, with priority rightly being on providing love and support for a young person in your care. Add in the prospect of transferring agency, and it can all seem a little too much to consider. However, transferring is easier than you might think.
Transferring will be a familiar process to foster parents, as it involves the same process as you engaged with when you first applied to foster, only in a much more streamlined and condensed form. You’ll meet one of our team of assessing social workers who will create a ‘Form F’ document to be reviewed by a panel. Download our guide to transferring for a more in-depth look at the transfer process.
“I won’t be able to transfer with the children I’m currently fostering”
With a detailed plan in place to ensure the child’s welfare, you can transfer to another fostering agency with an existing child in your care. Once you’ve decided on a new agency that’s right for you, you’ll just need to let your local authority or current agency know so that a meeting can be held between all parties to determine what course of action is best for the child.
This is known as a Transfer Protocol Meeting, which is held with the child’s local authority within 28 days of receiving your notice of intent to transfer fostering agencies. This meeting will explore any potential impact on the child, with additional support planned to ensure minimal disruption.
“It will harm me financially if I move.”
When you transfer to FCA, we’ll aim to match your current foster allowance for each child already in your care, so there will be no negative financial consequences for you and your family. At FCA, we offer one of the most competitive reward packages out there; with bonus payments of £500 each year along with an additional appreciation bonus of up to £1,000, rising in line with your length of service with us.
“I’d need to resign from my current agency first.”
You only need to notify your currency agency or local authority when you are serious about transferring to a new one. However, is not a resignation, just a way of keeping them in the loop so they can work with us to find the best outcomes for the young people you look after.
You formally resign once you’ve been reviewed by our panel process and have been approved to foster with FCA. Your old contract will end on the day your contract with us begins, so you never need to worry about being without the support of a fostering agency during the transfer process.
Here’s the Truth about Transferring Foster Agency…
- It’s simple. With FCA, our friendly team have designed a transferring process which is as streamlined as possible, with an optimum transfer time of only 12 weeks.
- There are so many benefits. With FCA you’ll access a whole range of benefits including a generous fostering allowance, incredible training opportunities and access to our discount scheme.
- You’ll have our support, every step of the way. When you choose to transfer to FCA you’ll benefit from 24/7 support via our helpline, therapy services, tailored support for the children and young people you care for and the support of our Team Parenting® community.
“FCA have been really, really supportive. They still support us in the best way they can.”
- Stanford, who has been fostering with his wife Marcia for twelve years
Transfer to FCA Today!
We’ll be with you every step of the way if you choose to join FCA. Download our free guide below to learn more about the benefits of joining us on our mission to improve the lives of young people up and down the UK.
By Phone
Call a member of our friendly fostering team and they'll be able to answer all your questions