Is it possible to switch foster care agencies?

If you are already registered as a foster carer with a local authority or independent fostering agency in the London, Kent, Medway, Surrey and East Sussex areas but you feel that it’s not quite the right fit for you and your situation, then you may be wondering whether it is possible to switch to another agency – and still keep your foster child or children with you.

Your new foster care agency should ensure minimal disruption to the foster child

A reputable fostering agency will always carry out the transfer process with the well-being of any foster children you may have in your care as the top priority. It is usually the case that foster children will be able to be transferred to the new agency. This must be with the agreement of the local authority.

The process of switching foster care agencies

Transfer processes may vary between providers, but most follow a similar path. At Diagrama Fostering we send our experienced social workers to visit you first. We explain our foster agency transfer process in depth and aim to make the process as simple as possible for you. We follow the Fostering Network Transfer Of Foster Carers Protocol.

The process consists of a Form F (Stage 2) assessment. This includes obtaining a reference from your existing foster care agency. Your file is then reviewed by Diagrama, and presented to our expert Fostering Panel. Following this, approval is sought from our Agency Decision Maker. Then after this approval you will be officially registered as a Diagrama foster carer.

If you do not currently have any foster children in your care, the transfer process is quicker and less complex.

Talk to our team about switching foster care agencies

Diagrama Fostering is a not-for-profit agency. We offer constant support, personal service, continuous and high-quality training and generous allowances to our foster carers.

We commit to maintaining the same allowances, expenses and services provided to you under any existing local authority agreement, even if this exceeds our usual rates.

Our priority is always to give the highest standard of support and care to our children and carers.

Book a 30-minute chat and speak to our team to find out more. Alternatively you can download our booklet. Our booklet contains everything you need to know about making a difference to a child’s life through fostering.