At Wholistic Fostering, we understand that experienced carers like you deserve a straightforward and supportive transition. Whether you’re currently with a local authority or another independent fostering agency, our process is clear, compassionate, and designed to build on what you already know.
We regularly welcome foster carers who want to be part of a smaller, values-driven agency that puts cultural awareness, community and personal support at the heart of everything we do.
If you haven’t already, you can read more about why carers transfer to us here – including our specialism in culturally appropriate matching for children of African and Caribbean backgrounds, and our hands-on, personal support from a small, dedicated team based in the West Midlands.
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We start with an informal, friendly conversation. You’ll meet with a member of our team – either face-to-face or virtually – to talk about your experience, what you're looking for, and what’s prompting your desire to transfer. We’ll explain who we are, how we work, and what you can expect from us. If it feels like the right fit, we’ll move forward together.
Once you’ve made your decision, you’ll formally notify your current agency or local authority in writing of your intent to transfer. We’ll support you with this, and we’ll handle the coordination with local authorities where necessary.
You’ll be introduced to your assessing social worker, who will guide and support you through the entire transfer process. Together, you’ll complete a streamlined version of the fostering assessment – not a full repeat of your original Form F, but a bespoke review focused on your current experience, skills and achievements.
This stage includes:
We treat this stage as a collaborative conversation, not a test. Our goal is to understand your journey, not to start from scratch.
During your assessment, you’ll be invited to attend some of our pre-approval training sessions, such as Introduction to Wholistic, Safeguarding, or Safe Caring Principles. This gives you a chance to:
Many carers find this an uplifting part of the process – a chance to reconnect with why they started fostering in the first place.
Once your assessment is complete, it will be presented to our Fostering Panel – a group of experienced professionals who will review your application. You’ll be invited to attend and share your perspective if you’d like.
The panel will make a recommendation to our Agency Decision Maker, who will then confirm your approval as a Wholistic foster carer.
You’re officially part of the Wholistic family! You’ll now be supported by your Supervising Social Worker and our small, dedicated team based in the West Midlands. From here, we’ll work together to find a placement that aligns with your skills and preferences – always with careful, culturally appropriate matching in mind.
