As an experienced foster parent, we know you are committed to transforming the lives of vulnerable children and young people who desperately need a safe and loving home. So you deserve to feel valued and supported by an agency that will go above and beyond.
That’s why transferring to a new fostering agency is the perfect opportunity to get what you feel is going to enable you to be more successful in your role.
We know deciding to transfer fostering agency is not a decision to be taken lightly, but it’s important that you are with an agency whom you have a trusted relationship with, and where you feel happy and supported in your role as a foster parent.
So if you’re looking to join a thriving fostering community where you aren’t just a number, but have a voice in effecting real change and improving the lives of the children in your care then discover the reasons why you should transfer to FCA…
Here Are 10 Reasons To Transfer to FCA
A Culture of Participation
When you transfer to FCA, you’ll be joining a positive and empowering culture where we encourage everyone to have their say. Our dedicated Participation team encourage all children to have their say – tailoring our activities and service around them. While our biannual Foster Parent Rep Forums give all our foster parents the opportunity to feedback any ideas or concerns directly to the senior management team.
Ongoing Professional Development
With FCA, you’ll have first-class regular training throughout your fostering career. We offer a wide range of courses available (both online and face-to-face) that help further develop your knowledge and skills to meet the specific needs of particular children, or in more specialist areas or approaches.
A Child Centric Wrap-Around Model
What makes us different from other fostering agencies is that everyone involved understands that children and young people with histories of trauma, abuse, neglect or attachment difficulties need therapeutic input to help their wellbeing and development. We call this approach Team Parenting.
When you transfer to FCA, you’ll be part of a network of childcare experts who may work with each child or young person and their foster parent to look after every area of their wellbeing. This collaborative, therapeutic approach includes therapists, education workers, social workers and support workers. When you foster a child with us, you don’t raise them alone.
You’ll be part of a large, supportive community which has achieved outstanding results for children and young people in terms of their emotional recovery.
Regular Placement Opportunities
Being one of the largest and most reputable agencies mean we are a trusted partner for local authorities throughout the UK. Our services are in high demand across the country, which means once you become an approved foster family with us, it won’t be long before you’ll have a child in your care as and when you are ready for them.
A Quick and Easy Transfer Process
Transferring to FCA is easier than you might think, you’ll have our dedicated team with you every step of the way. Your application will be fast-tracked, making the whole process quick and easy. We always fast-track experienced foster families through the assessment process - aiming to complete it within just 12 weeks of your initial enquiry.
Excellent Allowances, Loyalty Bonuses & Rewards
If you’re considering transferring then you may be worried about how your pay will be impacted. It’s important to consider the financial implications of transferring for you and your family, which is why we’ll not only ensure we match your current fostering allowance for each child you bring with you, but also you’ll have a whole host of additional benefits too!
When you foster with FCA, you’ll be part of our STARs scheme, one of the most generous reward and loyalty schemes out there, designed to reward and recognise all the incredible work our foster parents do in changing the life of a child or young person in their care.
As part of the scheme, not only will you receive a summer and winter £250 bonus payment each year, but an additional bonus each year rising in line with the length of service, along with gifts and experiences for each fostering milestone you hit.
A Family-Feel, Inclusive Community
At FCA we are one big family. Our regional teams and offices up and down the country mean you’ll have local support, events and services tailored to you.
You will be invited to local support groups and other activities all year round to help you build and maintain friendships and support networks. At FCA, you’ll never feel on your own. There’s always something going on near you where you can meet up and chat with like-minded foster parents and share advice and experiences of your foster families.
Excellent Ofsted Ratings
All our registrations are rated Good or Excellent. We know what it takes to reach the pinnacle of success in regards to delivering a fostering service, and as such all are registrations are rated Good or Excellent. We have achieved this by listening to our staff, foster families and children. If you want to join an organisation that takes pride in striving for Outstanding then look no further than FCA.
A Stable Support Network
As one of the biggest fostering agencies in the UK, when you transfer to FCA you’ll have the stability of fostering with a reputable organisation with the depth and breadth of resources to support everyone, whilst always finding services local to you. Many of our staff have been with us for years, so you won’t have to face regular upheaval with new staff coming and going, and have the continuity of your dedicated supervising social worker.
A Generous Refer-A-Friend Scheme
When you transfer to FCA, you’ll be able to take advantage of our generous Refer-a-Friend scheme that rewards you for spreading the word about your experience with FCA.
By recommending somebody to foster with us, you could receive up to £3,000 for each family we approve – £1,500 once approved and another £1,500 after their first year of fostering. You can also receive a reward for successfully recommending a respite family to us. You’ll receive £750 once approved and another £750 if they’re still fostering with us after 12 months.
DOWNLOAD OUR TRANSFER GUIDE
Find out more about how to transfer to FCA. Download our free guide to gain an insight into the process and benefits of making the switch.
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