Transfer to Capstone

Why transfer to us?

Starting your journey with an independent fostering agency or your local authority doesn’t mean you can’t make a change. As a foster carer you have the right to make the decision to move to another independent fostering agency, and we are ready to talk to you about making this move.

Here at Capstone, not only do we provide a family-feel fostering agency, but we have the wealth of experience and knowledge of a larger company – meaning we’re able to offer extensive support every step of the way.

With over a decade’s experience in recruiting, training and supporting foster carers, we have grown alongside the fostering system – meaning our experience is unparalleled. With our one primary focus always in mind – providing the best foster homes possible for young children – we’re constantly looking for new carers to join us who have the drive, passion and skillset required to be a foster carer. The wider range of experienced carers that we have onboard, the quicker we are able to respond to authorities when there is a child in need of secure and caring home.

By transferring fostering agencies to Capstone, you will immediately become part of the Capstone family – given the opportunity to be able to meet other carers, share stories about the world of fostering and offer and receive support to like-minded carers.

Benefits of transferring to Capstone Foster Care

By choosing to transfer foster agencies from a local authority to our independent fostering agency, you gain access to a multitude of benefits, including:

• A better support system –Capstone provide 24-hour care, 7 days a week, meaning one of our expert team will always be on hand to support you.
• More extensive training –fostering training is vital to develop your skills as a foster carer, and with an independent fostering agency, there’s typically much more resource to be able to facilitate training and development.
• Competitive allowance –As an independent organisation, and an Employee Ownership Trust, we invest more in how much our foster carers get paid.
• Specialist Support with MATTS –Capstone Foster Care is the only independent agency to provide specialist therapeutic foster care, tailored to support young children and people who have experienced trauma.

How to Transfer Fostering Agency

Once you’ve made the decision to transfer fostering agencies to Capstone, the first port of call is to get in touch with us. During this conversation, we will arrange a visit to your home to discuss what’s involved in the transfer process. We’ll work with you, your existing agency and the local authority to ensure that the process is seamless, and that any children or young people placed in your care are supported every step of the way.

The transfer procedure begins with you giving your intention to resign to your existing fostering agency or local authority in writing. Once this intention to resign has been given, you can then apply to foster with us. Your existing fostering agency will need to provide a reference which, once received, will allow us to begin the transferring process. The next step is a panel presentation and, after this, you will be asked to give your formal resignation in writing. By transferring to Capstone, you will be appointed a social worker who will support you through the entirety of your assessment.

Can I switch fostering agencies if I am currently caring for a child?

Yes you can. Whether you have children in placement or not, you have the right to change fostering agency or move from a local authority. However, if you have a child placed in your care when you’re looking to transfer fostering agencies, there is a slight difference with the transfer process.

It’s important to remember that foster carers can only be approved by one at agency at any one time – so any independent fostering agency or local authority will always ensure that the needs of any looked after child or young person are the top priority. Having this in mind, we’ll ensure that the process is as smooth and seamless as possible. Once you have told your existing agency or local authority about your desires to switch agencies, they will then arrange a meeting with both us and you to discuss the next steps.

What to expect when transferring to Capstone Foster Care

When you transfer to a Capstone Foster Care, we will ensure you receive all the support you need. We will be beside you every step of way, guiding you through the entire transfer process, offering the highest of quality training and support as you become a member of our Capstone family.

With extensive resources (which aren’t always available fostering with a local authority) we’re able to support our carers career development and ensure they are best carers they can be.

Call us today on 0800 012 4004 to find out more about transferring to us, or fill out the short form below for a call back.