Our fostering team will firstly discuss, in confidence, whether a move will be right for you, and any children which you may already be looking after. They will answer any questions, what we offer and provide you more detail on professional fees, allowances training, support etc. We promise not to talk to your current organisation until you have made a formal application to us.

After a discussion with one of our fostering team, we’ll meet with you at home to informally discuss your plans to move. If we all agree that fostering with By the Bridge could be the right move for you and your family, we’ll leave an application form.

Your application is reviewed by our recruitment team at By the Bridge. If successful, you’ll give your ‘intention to transfer’ to your current organisation.

As you are already fostering, the assessment process is likely to be quicker than before. An Independent Social Worker is allocated to undertake the Form F report and checks & references are carried out by the recruitment team.

During assessment, we’ll organise a transfer protocol meeting. This is a meeting between By the Bridge, you (the Foster Parents), your current fostering organisation and the child’s Local Authority. We’ll discuss the timing of your proposed move and to make sure that any child’s needs in your care are met.

When the Form F is completed, you’ll attend a Panel with your assessing Social Worker. We’ll make sure you receive a copy of the report. The report is then presented to our Panel to seek in principle agreement to your approval. If Panel make a positive recommendation you can then give your notice to your current provider at this point, or if you prefer, you can wait until you have contact from the decision maker. We'll confirm with you, any children in placement and their social workers that the transfer is now completed. We'll also agree with you and your current organisation the date at which this new approval will come into effect.

There is a clear set of guidelines by The Fostering Network that aim to make the transferring process as simple and straightforward as possible.