Transferring to Empower Fostering

Already a Foster Carer and looking to move to a fostering agency rated 'Good' by Ofsted?

It's easier than you think. Sometimes we need to make a change. If you are looking at the option of changing fostering agencies or are currently fostering for a local authority and would like to move to us, then we are here to help. Whatever your reason, be assured that as a Foster Carer, you have the right to move to another agency.

Why not come and join a fostering agency that has been created by a dedicated group of Foster Carers themselves?

What Service Can I Expect from Empower Fostering?

Empower Fostering is a Foster Carer-founded and led agency; small enough to be responsive but large enough to offer security. We pride ourselves on achieving the very best for young people in our care and providing the best local support and training delivered by experienced and approachable social workers who know you and the children in your care. We work hard to ensure that your work is recognised and that you are valued as an equal member of the Empower Fostering team.

How long will transferring take and what's involved?

Empower Fostering is highly experienced in managing the transfer process on your behalf. However, we know from experience that you will be anxious about changing. You may feel daunted by having to go through the approval process again, or you may be worried about how it might affect the placement of the children in your care.

We know it is human nature to choose the status quo and to put up with the frustration, lack of support and feelings of being undervalued by your current agency because it's easier than going through the transfer process.

At Empower Fostering, if you have been willing to devote your time to caring for young people in your home, we will ensure that you receive our very best support. This starts from day one, with us working as quickly as possible to transfer you to our agency so you can continue to do the job you love, fully supported by our brilliant team.

All fostering agencies subscribe to the Fostering Network's Transfer Protocol, which states:

"The transfer of carers Protocol is based on the assumption that carers have the right to freedom of movement between fostering services; the principle that, in all circumstances, the welfare of any child must be paramount."

How long will the transfer take?

The process of transferring to Empower Fostering is always discussed on an individual bases. However, on average, it takes around 4-6 months. Your current fostering agency is obliged to provide a range of information as part of the transfer, including access to your existing file. This does reduce the amount of work needed before you are ready to be registered by Empower Fostering, and it will undoubtedly be far less intrusive than your first assessment. We promise to make the process as simple, efficient and swift as possible as you can continue fostering your current children without disruption.

What happens to the child in my care?

The process is extremely straightforward if you are looking to transfer and don't currently have children in placement. If you have children presently placed with you, a Protocol Meeting will be arranged early in the process to discuss the needs of the children in your care and what services Empower Fostering needs to continue delivering.

Will I receive the same fostering allowances?

Empower Fostering has a very competitive allowance scheme, and in many cases, you will be financially better off moving on to our allowances and benefits. However, if you currently receive a higher level of allowances or enhanced payments from your current agency, we will honour those payments. So our promise to you is that you will not be financially worse off by transferring to Empower Fostering, and in many cases, you will be better off.

If this concerns you, feel free to have a confidential conversation with one of our fostering advisors to ascertain what you will be paid before you decide to transfer.

What are the next steps?

If you would like to explore joining the Empower Fostering family, fill in the form here to talk in confidence to an experienced Fostering Advisor. We promise not to speak with your current agency until you formally apply to us. If you would like to talk to a current Empower Fostering Foster Carer who has been through the transfer process, we can arrange that too.