Transfer to Oak Fostering

If you’re an approved Foster Carer with another Independent Fostering Agency or Local Authority, you have the right to transfer to a different agency, and we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Carers choose to transfer for many reasons, including:

  • Moving to a new area
  • Wanting more personal support and a smaller, family-feel agency
  • Looking for a fresh challenge
  • Seeking an agency that specialises in therapeutic fostering

Whatever your reason, we’ll make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.

Two adults and one child pointing into the sunset

How We Work

We follow The Fostering Network’s Transfer of Foster Carers Protocol (2014), which sets out the process and responsibilities for all parties involved. This ensures the transfer is handled fairly, transparently, and with the child’s best interests at heart.

If You Don’t Currently Have a Child in Placement

  • 1
    Initial Visit – One of our Social Workers will visit you to discuss transferring, answer your questions, and explain the process.
  • 2
    Assessment – We’ll carry out an assessment and present it to our fostering panel to seek your approval and registration as an Oak Fostering carer.
  • 3

    Notifying Your Current Agency – Before we begin the transfer process, you’ll need to inform your current agency of your intention to transfer. We do not recommend that you resign from your current agency until you have been approved by Oak Fostering.

If You Have a Child in Placement

Your current placement is our priority, and we will always aim to avoid disruption for the child.

  • 1
    Initial Discussion – A Social Worker from Oak Fostering will meet with you to talk through the process.
  • 2
    Protocol Meeting – A meeting will be held with the child’s placing Local Authority to agree the best way forward.
  • 3
    Smooth Transfer – In most cases, we can arrange for the child to transfer with you to Oak Fostering.
  • 4
    Maintaining Placement Terms – We will commit to keeping the current placement terms, including payment and expense levels, for the duration of the placement.
Oak Fostering bangs sitting on a table

Why Transfer to Oak Fostering?

To become a Foster Carer with Oak Fostering, you must:

  • Small, personal caseloads for our Social Workers, we know all our carers and children personally.
  • 24/7 hands-on support, not just a phone line.
  • Specialist therapeutic training to help you work confidently with children who have experienced trauma.
  • Tailored support packages designed around you and your placement.

Request A Call Back

If you are unsure if you will be suitable for the role – just ask us by requesting a call back and we can talk you through the whole process.

For People Thinking About Fostering

It’s okay to just be curious. Many of our carers started by simply finding out more.

  • Not sure if fostering is for you? Download our free info pack and read it in your own time.
  • Want to talk it through? Book a no-pressure call with our team.

We’ll answer questions like:

  • Do foster carers get paid?
  • What training will I receive?
  • Can I foster if I have pets or children of my own?
  • How does matching work?

Download our free info pack and read it in your own time.

Book a no-pressure call with our team.

Not Sure if You’re Eligible?

If you’re unsure whether fostering is right for you, the best step is to talk to us. We’ll explain the process, answer your questions, and help you understand what’s involved.

By filling in the form, you’ll be requesting a call back, and we’ll guide you through every step.

Need to speak to us or have any questions? Fill out the form below and we will get in touch!