How to transfer if you have a child

At Wholistic Fostering, we support experienced carers through the transfer process with care, transparency, and professionalism. We’ll help ensure any move is in the best interests of both you and the child or young person you’re caring for.

Putting the child’s best interests first

We understand that the most important consideration in any transfer is the stability and wellbeing of the foster child. If you’re already caring for a child, we’ll work closely with your current provider, the placing local authority, and all professionals involved to ensure the child’s care plan is uninterrupted and that any decisions made are in their best interest.

In most cases, the child will remain in your care and transfer with you. It’s very rare that this doesn’t happen, and where concerns arise, they’re addressed sensitively and with open discussion.

The transfer process when you’re caring for a child

Here’s what happens if you want to transfer to Wholistic Fostering while you’re looking after a foster child:

1. Submit your intention to transfer

You’ll notify your current fostering agency or local authority in writing that you’re considering a transfer to Wholistic Fostering. You should also inform the local authority that placed the child with you.

2. Initial meeting is arranged

The placing local authority will arrange a meeting within 28 days. This meeting will include:

• You, the foster carer
  
• The child’s social worker and reviewing officer
  
• Representatives from your current fostering service
  
• A team member from Wholistic Fostering
  

The aim is to ensure the child’s needs remain central, and to agree on how to manage the transition.

3. Key areas discussed at the meeting

During the meeting, everyone will consider:

• Whether it’s in the child’s best interests to stay with you
  
• How their support services, school arrangements and routine will be maintained
  
• How Wholistic Fostering will continue to support the child’s care plan
  
• Your own needs as a carer and how we’ll support you
  
• The process for ending your current approval and beginning a new one seamlessly
  

In the rare event it’s decided the child should not move with you, steps will be taken to ensure a safe and smooth transition for them elsewhere — always with dignity and care.

4. Your assessment and approval

While the local authority considers the move, your streamlined carer assessment with us will continue. This includes safeguarding checks, references, a review of your fostering experience, and a short course of training.

Approval timelines:

• Assessment and pre-approval training: 2–4 months
  
• Panel recommendation: Within 4–5 months of application
  

5. Formal resignation and transfer

Once we’ve confirmed your upcoming approval, you’ll submit your resignation to your current agency or local authority. We’ll coordinate with all parties to ensure there’s no disruption to the child’s care during the handover.

How we support you during the process

From your first enquiry to your final approval, we’ll walk alongside you. As a small, family-run agency, you’ll always know who you’re speaking to — and we’ll take time to understand your needs, your reasons for transferring, and how we can support you better.

Want to speak to someone who’s already done it? We’re happy to arrange a chat with one of our current foster carers who made the move and now calls Wholistic home.