Transfer Foster Agency | Switch Agency

100%

Your right to
transfer agency

~12 weeks

Typical fast-track
transfer timeline

£450–£860

Average weekly
IFA allowance

100%

Free to search
and compare

Why Transfer Fostering Agency?

Foster carers choose to transfer between agencies for many reasons. You may feel your current agency doesn’t provide enough support, that your supervising social worker changes too often, or that the training on offer no longer meets your needs. Some carers find they can access better allowances, more regular placement opportunities or specialist therapeutic support by switching to a different provider.

Whatever your reason, the decision to transfer is entirely yours. All fostering agencies — both local authority and independent — are required to follow The Fostering Network’s Transfer of Foster Carers Protocol, which protects your right to move freely between services and ensures the welfare of any child in your care remains the priority throughout.

Think Fostering helps you research and compare agencies so you can make an informed choice before you start the transfer process.

You have the legal right to transfer between agencies

The process is governed by a national Transfer Protocol

Most agencies fast-track experienced carers in around 12 weeks

Common Reasons Carers Transfer Agency

If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to explore your options

💬

Lack of Support

You feel unsupported by your agency, your supervising social worker changes frequently, or out-of-hours support is inadequate. A good agency should be there when you need them.

💰

Better Allowances

Your current allowance doesn’t reflect the work you do. Many IFAs offer significantly higher allowances, plus extras for birthdays, holidays and school uniforms.

🎓

Training & Development

You want access to specialist training, professional qualifications or a therapeutic care model that your current agency doesn’t provide.

👥

Feeling Undervalued

You don’t feel heard, respected or treated as a professional. The best agencies treat foster carers as valued members of a team around the child.

📅

Placement Gaps

You’re not receiving regular placement opportunities and spending long periods without a child. Agencies with strong local authority relationships place children more consistently.

🤝

Better Matching

You want an agency that takes time to match children carefully with your skills, experience and family circumstances, rather than placing based on availability alone.

How to Transfer Fostering Agency

The transfer process follows The Fostering Network’s Transfer Protocol and is designed to protect you and any child in your care

1

Research & Compare Agencies

Start by exploring what other agencies offer. Use Think Fostering to compare support models, training, allowances and Ofsted ratings. You do not need to inform your current agency at this stage — your enquiries are completely confidential.

2

Contact Your Chosen Agency

Once you’ve found an agency you’d like to join, get in touch for a confidential conversation. They will talk you through their offer, answer your questions and explain what the transfer process looks like with them.

3

Notify Your Current Agency

When you decide to proceed, you’ll need to inform your current agency in writing. The new agency will also contact them to request a reference and initiate the formal transfer process. If you have a child in placement, the placing local authority must also be notified.

4

Fast-Track Assessment

As an experienced carer, your assessment will be fast-tracked. Most agencies aim to complete this within around 12 weeks. A new Form F assessment will be carried out, but because you have already been through the process before, it is typically quicker and more streamlined.

5

Transfer Protocol Meeting (if child in placement)

If you are fostering a child, the placing local authority will arrange a Transfer Protocol Meeting within 28 days. This brings together all parties to ensure the child’s needs will continue to be met and the placement can continue with your new agency.

✓

Panel Approval & Start Fostering

Your assessment goes to an independent fostering panel, which makes a recommendation to the agency decision maker. Once approved, you formally resign from your current agency and begin fostering with your new provider. You cannot be approved by two agencies at the same time.

Transferring With a Child in Placement

You have the right to transfer between fostering agencies whether or not you currently have a child in your care. If you do have a child placed with you, the process includes some additional safeguards to ensure the child’s welfare remains the priority.

The placing local authority will convene a Transfer Protocol Meeting within 28 days of receiving your written notice. This meeting brings together you, your current agency, the new agency and the placing authority to discuss how the child’s care plan will continue, whether the placement should transfer with you, and how any transition will be managed.

Most agencies will match your existing allowance at the very least and maintain the same level of support for the child throughout the transition. The whole process is designed to minimise disruption for the child while respecting your right to move.

You can transfer with or without a child in placement

Transfer Protocol Meeting ensures child’s needs are met

Your existing allowance should be maintained as a minimum

Transfer fostering agency with child in placement - transfer protocol

What to look for when choosing a fostering agency to transfer to

What to Look For in a New Agency

Choosing the right agency is the most important part of transferring. Here are some key things to consider when comparing agencies through Think Fostering:

Dedicated supervising social worker with manageable caseload

24/7 out-of-hours support from qualified professionals

Comprehensive training programme and professional development

Competitive allowances with clear fee structure

Strong Ofsted rating and track record

Regular placement opportunities and good LA relationships

Respite care arrangements and peer support groups

A culture that values foster carers as professionals

Common Questions About Transferring Agency

Find answers to the most common questions about switching fostering agency. For more detailed information, visit our FAQs page or get in touch — all enquiries are free and without obligation.

Yes. All approved foster carers have the right to freedom of movement between fostering services. This principle is established in The Fostering Network’s Transfer of Foster Carers Protocol, which was developed in partnership with the joint forum of independent fostering providers and is supported by the Association of Directors of Children’s Services.

Your current agency is required to cooperate with the transfer process and cannot prevent you from moving. They must provide a reference to the new agency within 28 days of receiving the request.

All foster carers have the right to transfer between agencies
The Transfer Protocol protects your right to move freely
Your current agency must provide a reference within 28 days
Your new agency will support you throughout the process

Most agencies aim to complete the transfer assessment within around 12 weeks from your initial enquiry, subject to panel approval. Because you are already an experienced, approved carer, the assessment process is fast-tracked and significantly quicker than a first-time application.

The exact timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances, the speed of reference checks, and whether you have a child in placement. If a Transfer Protocol Meeting is needed, the placing authority should arrange this within 28 days of receiving your written notice.

Most agencies fast-track experienced carers in around 12 weeks
The assessment is quicker because you have existing experience
Transfer Protocol Meetings are convened within 28 days
Final approval is confirmed by an independent fostering panel

No. You do not need to inform your current agency that you are exploring other options. Your initial enquiries and conversations with new agencies are completely confidential. You only need to formally notify your current agency once you have decided to proceed with a transfer and the new agency is ready to begin the assessment.

At that point, the new agency will write to your current agency to request a reference and confirm your intention to transfer. If you have a child in placement, you must also notify the placing local authority at this stage.

Initial enquiries with new agencies are fully confidential
You only notify your current agency when you decide to proceed
If a child is in placement, the placing authority must also be told
Formal resignation comes later, once approved by the new agency

Yes. You have the right to transfer between agencies with or without a child in placement. If you do have a child in your care, the process includes a Transfer Protocol Meeting convened by the placing local authority within 28 days. This meeting brings together all parties to discuss how the child’s care plan will continue, whether the placement should transfer with you, and how any transition will be managed.

The child’s welfare is the primary consideration. Most new agencies will match your existing allowance at the very least and maintain the same level of support for the child throughout. The meeting also considers the child’s views and those of any parents or other relevant parties.

You can transfer with or without a child in placement
A Transfer Protocol Meeting ensures the child’s needs are met
Your existing allowance should be maintained as a minimum
The child’s views and welfare are the primary consideration

Yes. Each fostering agency operates independently, and your Form F assessment belongs to the agency that commissioned it. When you transfer, the new agency will carry out a new Form F. However, because you have already been through the process, it will be faster and more streamlined.

The new agency will request a reference and, where possible, a copy of your previous assessment from your current agency. Your existing skills, training and experience will be fully taken into account, making the process considerably quicker than a first-time assessment.

A new Form F is required because assessments belong to each agency
The process is fast-tracked for experienced carers
Your current agency should provide a reference and assessment copy
Your existing training portfolio belongs to you and transfers with you

This depends on the agency you transfer to. Many independent fostering agencies offer competitive allowances that are higher than local authority rates. If you are transferring with a child in placement, The Fostering Network’s Transfer Protocol recommends that your existing allowance should be maintained at the same level as a minimum for the duration of the placement.

Some agencies will match your current allowance, while others may offer a higher rate. It is always worth comparing the full package — including allowances, fees, birthday and holiday payments, respite arrangements and other benefits — rather than focusing on the weekly rate alone.

Many agencies will match or exceed your current allowance
The Transfer Protocol recommends maintaining existing rates
Compare the full package including extras, respite and training
IFA allowances typically range from £450 to £860 per week

Start by using Think Fostering to compare agencies in your area. Look at Ofsted ratings, the support model, training programmes, allowances and what other carers say about their experience. You can also check the Ofsted provider search for inspection reports on any registered fostering service.

Speak to more than one agency before making a decision. Ask about their supervising social worker caseloads, out-of-hours support, training offer, matching process and how they handle the transfer. The right agency should make you feel valued, supported and confident about the move.

Use Think Fostering to compare agencies in your area
Check Ofsted ratings and inspection reports
Speak to multiple agencies before deciding
Ask about support, training, matching and caseloads

Ready to Transfer Fostering Agency?

You deserve an agency that supports, values and invests in you. Compare agencies, ask questions, and find the right fit — all free and without obligation.

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