Tranferring to local council fostering

The process of transferring from an Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) to fostering for your local council is governed by the Transfer of Foster Carers Protocol and includes a series of principles, including:

Foster carers have the right to freedom of movement between fostering services.
The process should always put the child’s needs first and minimise disruption.
You can’t be approved by two fostering services at the same time. Your resignation from the old service and approval by the new one happen on the same day.

The process

1. Start the conversation

Contact Local Community Fostering for an informal chat. These early discussions are confidential, so you can explore your options without any pressure.

2. Let your current agency know

If you want to go ahead, submit a fostering application to your local council and send a notice of intent to your current fostering agency. This isn’t your resignation yet – it simply shows you’re considering a transfer.

3. Revisit your assessment

In some cases, the local council will be able to update your existing assessment rather than starting completely from scratch, depending on how recent it is and your approval terms. In other cases, it may be necessary to work through a new assessment. Either way, you’ll still need to go through checks and attend panel again.

4. Meeting if you have a child placed

If a child is living with you, everyone involved – your current agency, the council, and you – will meet to agree what’s best for the child.

5. Final approval

Your assessment goes to the council’s fostering panel for recommendation. Once approved, you resign from your current agency and join the new one on the same day.

view of a table with coloured chalks, a board game, the Local Community Fostering notebook and one of the Being Part of a Fostering Family booklet.

What you’ll need

Some new checks, like DBS, health and finances.
Up-to-date training that meets the Training, Support and Development Standards.
An agreement on allowances and support if you have a child living with you.

How long does it take?

Usually around 8–12 weeks, but it can be quicker or slower depending on whether you have a child placed and how quickly paperwork is shared. Data protection rules sometimes mean parts of your assessment need to be redone. Good communication between agencies is key to avoid any gaps in approval.

To find out about how your Council supports foster carers, click the logos below

We’re the choice for people from all backgrounds—single, coupled up, LGBTQ+, renting, or owning—who want to open their hearts and homes to local children and become part of a loved local community.

Fill out this short form and one of our team will reach out for an open and honest chat. Or feel free to call us on 020 8496 3437 or email hello@localcommunityfostering.co.uk.

You’re more ready than you think.

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