Supervision and your social worker
We will explain how supervising social workers are allocated at Organic Fostering and how regular supervision works, so you can compare it with your current arrangements.
Transferring agency
Thinking About Transferring Fostering Agency?
You are allowed to explore whether another fostering service is a better fit. Start with a confidential conversation about what is working, what is not and what you need from your next agency.
Based in ManchesterHere when you’re ready.
No obligationAsking us for information does not mean resigning or notifying your current service.
Child firstWhere a child lives with you, their safety, relationships and continuity of care guide every discussion.
Fresh assessmentYou will normally complete a new assessment, informed by your existing fostering experience.
Before you decide anything
You can ask questions without committing to anything
There is no need to resign or notify your current service simply because you ask us for information. If you later choose to apply, a formal, co-ordinated process will follow.
The principle
A transfer should improve support without losing sight of the child
Moving agency is an important professional and family decision. If a child is living with you, their safety, relationships and continuity of care must guide every discussion. Organic Fostering will work with you, your current service and the placing local authority when the formal process begins.
The transfer process follows relevant fostering regulations and sector transfer guidance. You will normally complete a fresh assessment, although existing information and your fostering experience can help inform it.
Why carers get in touch
Reasons carers consider a transfer
We will not assume that transferring is the right decision. The first conversation is a chance to compare expectations honestly.
What we will set out for you
What Organic Fostering offers
So that you can compare us fairly with your current service, we will talk each of these through with you before you make any decision.
Advice outside office hours
We will set out what professional advice is available to carers outside normal office hours.
Training and development
We will talk you through the core and development training available to our foster carers and how learning you have already completed is taken into account.
Child-centred matching
A child-centred matching approach that considers identity and cultural needs.
Contact with other foster carers
We will explain how our foster carers stay connected with one another, including support groups and events.
Clear payment terms
A transparent explanation of payment terms before you transfer, given in writing so that you can compare them with your current arrangements. We will not promise to match or beat what you are paid now.
Your situation
If no child is currently placed with you
You can have an initial conversation before telling your current service. Once you decide to apply, you will normally give written notice of your intention to transfer so information and references can be requested. Your assessment, checks, training needs and approval terms will be reviewed before a panel recommendation and agency decision.
Formal resignation is usually timed later so that your existing approval ends when the new approval can begin. A foster carer cannot normally be approved by two fostering services at once in England.
Your situation
If a child is currently living with you
The placing local authority must be involved as well as your current fostering service. A transfer protocol meeting considers whether remaining with you under the new provider is in the child's best interests and how their care plan, support and funding would continue.
The views of the child and other relevant people should be considered. We cannot promise that an existing placement will automatically transfer.
The route from here
What happens next
- 1
A confidential conversation
Have a confidential, no-pressure conversation.
- 2
Compare what we offer
Review Organic Fostering's support, expectations, payments and policies.
- 3
Decide whether to apply
Decide whether to submit an application.
- 4
Notify the right organisations
Notify the appropriate organisations when the formal transfer begins.
- 5
Reassessment and checks
Complete reassessment, checks and any required learning.
- 6
Panel and agency decision
Attend fostering panel; the agency decision maker confirms the outcome.
- 7
A co-ordinated changeover
Co-ordinate resignation and new approval to protect continuity.
Go deeper
The transfer process in full
Our step-by-step guide explains notice, information sharing, assessment, panel and the transfer protocol that applies when a child is living with you.
Common questions
Transfer FAQs
Do I have to tell my agency before I speak to you?
No. An exploratory conversation can take place first. Your current service will need to be informed if you decide to proceed with a formal application.
Will I need another assessment?
Yes, transferring normally involves reassessment and approval by the new service. With permission and subject to information-sharing rules, relevant existing records may help inform the process.
Can I transfer with a child in placement?
Potentially. The child's placing local authority and both fostering services must be involved, and the child's welfare and care plan remain paramount.
Will my current allowance be matched?
Payment arrangements must be discussed individually and confirmed in writing. We cannot quote or guarantee figures before that discussion has taken place.
How long will it take?
Timescales vary according to checks, information sharing, panel scheduling and whether a child is in placement. Any timescale we discuss with you is an aim rather than a guarantee.
Next step
Find out whether a transfer would be right for you
Tell us what you need from a fostering service. We will explain the process clearly and give you space to decide.
Take the first step
Your fostering questions can start with one conversation
Tell us what you are thinking and ask what matters to you. A member of our Manchester team will explain the next step without pressure or obligation.