Carer Transfer Guide: Moving Between Fostering Agencies

Thinking about switching from your current fostering agency to another? You’re not alone. Carers move for many reasons—better support, more consistent placements, specialist training, or simply a values fit. The good news is that your approval is portable: you don’t start from scratch. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you move smoothly, protect placements, and keep your finances and support stable throughout.

When is transferring a good idea?

Typical reasons carers switch

Many carers transfer because they’re experiencing infrequent or unsuitable matching, limited out-of-hours support, unclear communication, or fee/allowance structures that don’t reflect their skills. Others want specialist models (therapeutic, parent & child, UASC, Mockingbird) or simply a team that treats them as partners. Whatever the reason, the priority is the child—so the process is designed to avoid unnecessary disruption.

Can I transfer if I currently have a placement?

Children come first—stability is the test

Yes, but the child’s needs drive the decision. If a move to your new agency maintains or improves stability, it’s usually supported. The proposed agency, your current agency, and the placing local authority will agree a transfer plan that sets out dates, funding, supervision, and who does what. If a move risks disruption, you may be asked to delay until the placement ends—your new agency should be transparent about this from the outset.

Step-by-step: how the transfer process works

1) Quiet research and informal chats

Start with a confidential enquiry to the new agency. Discuss placement types, support network, training, fees vs allowances, retainer policies, respite, and escalation routes. Ask for written packages that separate the child’s allowance from the carer fee/skill payment. Request references or speak to experienced carers at the agency (many will arrange a peer call).

2) Notice of intent (without burning bridges)

When you’re confident, you’ll submit a transfer application to the new agency. At this stage the new agency typically notifies your current agency and—if applicable—the placing local authority. Keep tone professional; the sector is small, and cooperation helps your timeline.

3) Information sharing and consent

With your consent, the new agency will request your Form F (or equivalent) assessment, annual reviews, training record, unannounced visit notes, and any allegations/complaints outcomes. You have the right to see and comment on records; it’s okay to attach a short reflection statement if there’s context you want panel to consider.

4) Shortened assessment (not a full redo)

Because you’re already approved, the new agency conducts a streamlined assessment focusing on updates since your last review: changes in household, safer caring plan, health, references, training, and competency evidence. Expect DBS update checks and a fresh health & safety review. Good agencies will help you refresh your portfolio rather than reinvent it.

5) Matching and placement planning

If you have a placement, the agencies and local authority will agree whether the child transfers with you. If you’re vacant, the new agency should discuss typical referral volume and matching criteria in your area (age bands, behaviours, sibling groups, distance to school, contact patterns).

6) Panel and decision

You’ll meet the new agency’s fostering panel for recommendation; a decision maker issues your new approval, usually mirroring your current terms (e.g., age range, numbers). If the new agency proposes wider approval (say, adding parent & child), they’ll evidence why and outline extra training.

7) Handover and start date

Once approved, you’ll receive a transfer date and a written financial schedule: when fees/allowances start, how retainer/respite will be handled, how mileage/expenses will be claimed, and any training commitments due in your first year.

Timelines and notice periods

How long does it take?

Most transfers complete in 8–12 weeks once information sharing begins, but it can be quicker if your documents are current and there are no complex placement factors. Notice periods with your current agency are typically measured in weeks, not months; many agencies use a mutual release on the agreed transfer date. If you’re in a placement, timelines are coordinated around school terms, contact schedules, and statutory visits.

Your rights and responsibilities

What you can expect—and what’s expected of you

Your rights

• To explore other agencies without prejudice.
• To a clear breakdown of allowances vs fees, plus add-ons (retainers, respite, birthday/holiday payments, mileage, training).
• To fair reference sharing and to add your own context.
• To a child-centred decision on transferring a current placement.

Your responsibilities

• To keep children’s stability central to decisions.
• To maintain accurate recording and hand over relevant logs/chronologies.
• To meet training and supervision expectations.
• To follow data protection rules when sharing documents.

Money matters: allowances, fees and gaps

Avoid surprises with a written schedule

Ask the new agency to confirm in writing:

• Weekly child allowance by age band (and region, if applicable).
• Your skill fee and how progression works.
• Retainer rules during vacancy.
• Mileage and extras (equipment, school trips, holiday/birthday allowances).
• Payment calendar (weekly/fortnightly), and how arrears or overlaps are handled during handover.
• Whether there’s back-pay if panel is later than your start date but you’ve been available for matching.

Most carers won’t see a gap if the transfer date is properly coordinated, but insist on clarity to avoid missed weeks.

Data, allegations and confidentiality

Be open, be factual

All agencies are obliged to share outcomes of any allegations or standards-of-care investigations. If you have a historic matter, be upfront; attach a timeline and what you’ve learned. Keep your daily logs, safer caring plan, and training certificates organised—this speeds panel and shows reflective practice.

Impact on children and contact

Keep the child’s network steady

The transfer plan should explicitly cover school, contact (times, venues, supervision), health appointments, therapeutic input, and Virtual School liaison. If you’re changing agency mid-placement, agree who attends which meetings and how your Supervising Social Worker (SSW) will work with the child’s social worker post-transfer. Ideally, the child experiences business as usual.

Red flags when considering a new agency

Questions to ask before you sign

• “Show me the out-of-hours model—who answers and how quickly?”
• “What are your matching stats for my approval range in my postcode?”
• “How many supervision visits and unannounced visits per year?”
• “What specialist training and clinical consultation do you offer?”
• “How do you support carers during allegations?”
• “Can I speak to two existing carers privately?”
  If answers are vague—or the fee/allowance breakdown isn’t written—pause.

Mini-checklist: transfer ready in 10 steps

Print and tick as you go

1. List reasons for moving; define your must-haves.
2. Confidential chats with 2–3 agencies; collect written packages.
3. Confirm retainer/fee and allowance details in writing.
4. Update safer caring and home H&S checklist.
5. Gather training, first aid, and supervision records.
6. Request a current medical if your last is expiring soon.
7. Prepare a brief household profile (pets, routines, bedrooms).
8. Agree a transfer plan (with LA if in placement).
9. Attend panel; note any conditions/training actions.
10. Get a dated handover schedule and payment calendar.

FAQs

Will I need to redo the “Skills to Foster” course?

Often the new agency will recognise prior learning, but may ask you to attend certain refreshers (e.g., safeguarding, first aid, recording).

Can my approval terms change?

They can—wider or narrower—but changes should be evidence-based and agreed with you. If widening (e.g., adding parent & child), expect extra training and closer supervision initially.

What if my current agency blocks the move?

Agencies are expected to act professionally and child-centred. If disputes arise (especially with a current placement), ask your prospective agency to coordinate a multi-agency meeting; most issues resolve with a clear plan.

Final thoughts

Transferring agencies is about getting the right team around you and the child. Do your homework, insist on written clarity, and keep the child’s routine steady. With a well-run process—information shared promptly, panel scheduled sensibly, and a clean handover—you’ll arrive at your new agency with continuity of support, no financial surprises, and a better fit for the way you care.