Independent Fostering Agencies
As a potential foster carer, it is important that you find out about the financial aspects of fostering prior to your application to a Fostering Agency.
An Independent Fostering Agency is an organisation that places children into foster placements on behalf of the Local Authority. Some are profit making companies while other are charities or not for profit companies.
Local Authority Fostering
A Local Authority is the local public authority for your area who has a fostering service that places children from that area into foster care. Health and Social Care Trusts act as the equivalent in Northern Ireland.
Transferring to another Fostering Agency
Foster Carers have the right to transfer to another FosteringAgency and there is an agreed Foster Carers Transfer Protocol: Guidance is available for fostering services and foster carers on transferring between fostering providers. There is a protocol for England and Wales and a protocol for Scotland.
Approved foster carers considering changing their fostering agency should go to www.fosteringtransferagent.co.uk for information, advice and practical help to find the best agency and to transfer their approval.