Will my foster child's placement be disrupted if I transfer?

In almost all cases, no. Under The Fostering Network protocol, your foster child remains in your home throughout the entire transfer process. The new agency assumes support, and the placing local authority continues the placement without interruption.

How long does a fostering agency transfer take?

Most transfers take between 4 and 8 weeks. This includes your statutory 28-day notice period to your current agency and the streamlined reassessment with the receiving agency.

Will I lose my approvals or have to redo the entire Form F from scratch?

No. Your approval as an active foster carer transfers with you. The receiving agency conducts a fast-track reassessment rather than starting from square one.

Is this transfer support service free for foster carers?

Yes, 100% free and confidential. We support carers to find the right agency with better allowances, enhanced respite, and dedicated local support.

Free Transfer Support

How to Transfer Fostering Agency: Switch Foster Care Agencies with Ease

Q: Can my current agency prevent me from transferring?

No. Under UK law and the Fostering Services Regulations 2011, foster carers have the absolute legal right to give notice and transfer. Your current agency cannot block or refuse to release your file.

Under the Fostering Services Regulations, you have the legal right to transfer fostering agency at any time. We make switching foster care agencies simple, secure, and completely free — with zero disruption to your placement.

✓No disruption to placements

✓Completely free service

✓1 working day response

How to Switch Fostering Agencies Without Placement Disruption

Thousands of foster carers switch fostering agencies every year. It's a normal, protected process — your local authority must support you in doing so, and your placement won't be affected.

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Your rights are protected

Under the Fostering Services Regulations, you can give notice to your current agency at any time. The standard notice period is 28 days.

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Children aren't disrupted

In almost all cases, placements continue uninterrupted during a transfer. The child stays with you throughout.

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You could earn more

Many carers find that switching to a different agency increases their weekly fostering allowance significantly.

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Better support awaits

If you feel unsupported, undertrained, or undervalued — you deserve better. Many agencies are actively looking for experienced carers.

Request Free Support to Transfer Fostering Agency

Takes 60 seconds. We'll do the research for you.

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Current Fostering Agency *

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I agree to be contacted by FindAFosteringAgency.co.uk regarding my transfer enquiry. I understand my data will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Policy. We will never share your details with your current agency.

Common questions about transferring

Will my placement be disrupted if I transfer?

In almost all cases, no. Your foster child stays with you throughout the transfer process. The new agency takes over your support, and the local authority continues the placement as normal.

How long does a transfer take?

Most transfers are completed within 4–8 weeks. This includes your notice period with the current agency (typically 28 days) and the registration process with the new agency.

Can my current agency prevent me from transferring?

No. You have the legal right to give notice and transfer agencies. Your current agency cannot refuse to release you, though they may try to resolve your concerns first.

Will I lose my training or approvals?

Your approval as a foster carer transfers with you. The new agency will conduct a review, but you won't need to start the approval process from scratch.

Is this service really free?

Yes, completely. We help foster carers find better-fitting agencies as part of our mission to improve outcomes for children in care. Agencies pay to be featured — you never do.