Transfer to Us
The Process
All fostering agencies are required to follow an agreed transfer protocol to ensure that any move between agencies is managed safely and in the best interests of children. This involves you, your current fostering agency, the placing local authority (if you have children in placement), and Diverse Fostering. The exact process will depend on whether you have a child or young person placed with you at the time you decide to transfer.
If you have a child or young person already placed with you?
If you are caring for a child or young person and wish to transfer to Diverse Fostering, you will need to give written notice to your current fostering agency as soon as possible, as well as inform the placing local authority or authorities.
A transfer meeting will then be arranged by the placing authority. This meeting usually involves commissioning or contracting officers, the child’s social worker, your current fostering agency, Diverse Fostering, and you as the foster carer. Where there is more than one placing authority, the authority that has placed children with you for the longest period will normally act as the lead authority, by agreement. In some circumstances, and with agreement from the placing authority, Diverse Fostering may convene this meeting.
The purpose of the meeting is to consider the child’s welfare, identify the support required, agree arrangements around payments, and set out a clear timetable for the transfer process. In our experience, this process usually runs smoothly, as local authorities are supportive of carers transferring to Diverse Fostering due to our strong reputation for supporting carers and promoting positive outcomes for children.
Alongside this, we will complete an assessment with you. Once the Diverse Fostering panel has made a recommendation and the service confirms readiness to approve you, you will be asked to submit your resignation to your current agency. After the required 28-day notice period has ended, you will become a foster carer with Diverse Fostering.
If you don’t have a child placed with you?
If you do not currently have a child or young person in placement, you will need to inform your current fostering service in writing that you are considering a move to another agency. You are very welcome to contact us and arrange an initial visit before doing this.
Once your current agency has received your notification, an assessment will be undertaken so that you can be approved as a foster carer with Diverse Fostering. This assessment is usually more straightforward and quicker than your original fostering assessment. During this time, you will be able to access training with Diverse Fostering and we will support you to become familiar with our policies, procedures, and ways of working.
When the assessment is complete and we confirm our intention to present your application to panel and the decision maker, you should then submit your written resignation to your current agency. Your resignation will take effect automatically 28 days from the date it is received.
Fostering payments following transfer
If you transfer from another independent fostering agency to Diverse Fostering, you will receive fostering payments that are equivalent to what you currently receive, or higher if the Diverse Fostering payment is greater for any children already in placement. These payments will continue for the duration of the placement, subject to increases and movement through age-related bands. Any new placements offered after your transfer will be paid in line with the Diverse Fostering payment framework.
To find out more about transferring to Diverse Fostering, please contact us on 01782 376555.
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Everyone is different and we are happy to talk with you to discuss what foster care might look like in your circumstances. Please contact us to explore further!