Transferring Myths - Busted

All fostering services should follow the transfer protocols set out by The Fostering Network. Some elements need to be repeated but there will be some information previously collected in your original Form F and annual fostering records that will help to speed up the process. Action for Children Fostering may be able to fast track you, but you may still need to:

1. Provide references and have a medical, carried out by your own GP, paid for by Action for Children Fostering.
2. Send your resignation to your current fostering service.
3. Submit your application for panel review.
4. Wait for approval from our agency decision-maker.

We’ll also look at how much training you’ve had previously and if you need any additional training or support that we can give you.

Usually (but not always) your foster child will come with you if you transfer from your current fostering service. This is the same if you’re with a local authority or an independent fostering agency. There’s a process to go through and you have to give written notice. The child’s best interests will always be the main concern.

There will be a transfer meeting with you and all of the key individuals responsible for the child or young person to make sure the young person is always at the centre of any decisions made. If you choose to transfer to Action for Children Fostering, we’ll be there too, to help you through the process and give you all the support you need.

This is not true if you transfer to Action for Children Fostering. We are very proud of the extensive training we offer to all of our foster carers. We’ll assess what training you have done and what additional training we can give you and will create an annual training plan with you. Some training sessions are mandatory and others are voluntary. You’ll have access to all the sessions we offer. Find out more about our training

We believe the support you would receive at Action for Children Fostering is second to none.

Once you’re an approved foster carer with us you’ll be allocated to a local fostering team. You’ll have a dedicated social worker with a small case load and round the clock support. Our small caseloads allow our fostering social workers to give you the time, care and attention that you deserve. We have a wealth of experience, training and understanding behind us to be able to provide you with the best possible solution and support that is truy shaped around your life and your needs. We also offer a buddy system if you feel this would be useful for you. Find out more about our support.

Fostering payments, and any additional benefit packages offered, varies from service to service. Most agencies publish their average payments on their website. Make sure you do your research before deciding which agency you would like to transfer to and which package fits your needs best.

Alongside our comprehensive support, Action for Children Fostering offers a generous financial package to ensure that our foster carers can afford to provide a safe and loving home for a young person. This typically ranges, on average, from £429-£791. There are also specialist add-on payments for carers looking after children with complex needs. These add-ons are assessed by the service against a set of criteria. The amount you will be paid will vary if you’re fostering siblings.

We aim to make sure that you’re rewarded with sufficient fees and expenses to support yourself and the child(ren) living with you. This means you can focus on caring without worrying about money. Find out more about our fostering payments.

This is not true. If you’ve been through the fostering process and approved by another fostering service but never had a foster child, you can still transfer to an alternative service. If you choose to transfer to Action for Children Fostering we’ll make sure that you get all the support and training you need to have the best possible experience the first time you foster. We’ll aim to pair you and a child as soon as you become an approved foster carer with us. Your first foster child.

Yes you can. The demand for foster homes has increased to the point where local authorities often cannot meet the demand on their own.

Cared for children still come into the system through local authorities and they still provide their own fostering services. However, local authorities can also commission independent fostering agencies to care for their children.

While foster care is part of a local authority’s overall duties, for an independent fostering agency, it is their main focus - providing the best possible care for looked after children.

We work closely with local authorities and always aim to get the best possible fit between foster carers and the young people who need a safe and loving home.

You can make initial enquiries without notifying your current agency. However, if you decide you want to transfer to another service you will need to notify your current service before starting the assessment process. You will also need to formally send them a resignation letter, prior to submitting your application. If you choose to transfer to Action for Children Fostering we’ll give you all the help, support and guidance you need to make the transferring process as quick and easy as possible.

Different agencies offer different levels of support, training and financial packages. Some are profit making, some are not-for-profit and some are charities. It’s up to you who you decide to foster through and you can switch from one IFA to another if you feel that’s right for you.

All agencies are regulated and required to meet the minimum standards set out by legislation Fostering services: national minimum standards - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

As a charity, we’re committed to making our community better. That’s why we have a focus on transparency. We are answerable to the public, our service users, the Charity Commission and our Board of Trustees. We are also regulated by national regulators across the UK.

Compare agencies within your local area and ask lots of questions before deciding who to transfer to.