I'm already a foster carer. How do I transfer to you?
We are a not-for-profit independent fostering agency. Our priority is the children in our care, not making a profit. If this fits your values, read on.
Come and foster with us
All approved foster carers have the freedom to change the fostering agency they work with, as we appreciate carer’s situations can change. These rights are enshrined in the Transfer of Foster Carers Protocol which provides guidelines for when a foster carer wishes to transfer between agencies. There are different procedures depending on whether you have a child in placement or not. At Brighter Futures for Children, the first step is for one of our social workers to visit you at home to discuss your situation and explain the process. We will work with you at all times to ensure the transfer is as seamless as possible.
Why should I transfer to you?
Alongside our generous reward package for foster carers, we also have a number of other financial and non-financial benefits.
- We are Reading's ONLY local, not-for-profit fostering agency. We are committed to keeping local children and young people in our town, close to their friends, family and school
- Where we can provide them with an appropriate in-house placement, we always look to place Reading children with our carers first
- We place children aged 0-18, so offer a very wide matching range
- Support and training is local
- Our foster service has a real ‘family feel’
- Foster Carers' Association Reading, a support group of local foster carers, is well established and meets regularly
- Local carer support groups
- 24/7 phone line support
- Our competitive rewards and expense payments
- Up to eight weeks retainer fees
- Our trauma-informed practitioner is on hand to help
- We have a brilliant team of supervising social workers.
Find out more below.
Transferring to us
It can take about 3-4 months and we would aim to complete it as quickly as possible.
Most training is transferrable as all fostering agencies must follow fostering regulations.
Yes, you can. You can learn more in Section 5 of the Transfer of Foster Carers Protocol.
In line with Section 10 of the Transfer of Foster Carers Protocol, we would continue paying your current rate for your current child in placement. For future children placed with you, the Brighter Futures for Children payment scheme would apply.
Have a look at the Local Authority Fostering South East hub webpage on transferring. It explains everything, including how to smoothly transfer to us, if you’re within a 20 mile radius of Reading.
You can give the team a call on 0300 131 2797 or email info@lafosteringse.org.uk.
