Fostering is a deeply rewarding journey but comes with a unique set of challenges. Choosing the right fostering agency is crucial, as the agency plays a significant role in providing the support, training, and resources that foster parents need to thrive. If you find yourself feeling undervalued, unsupported, or frustrated with your current agency, it might be time to consider making a change. Here are five key signs that it may be time to think about transferring to a different fostering agency:
You’re not receiving enough support.
As a foster carer, you need to feel that your agency has your back, whether that’s through regular check-ins, access to 24/7 helplines, or simply being available when you have questions or concerns. If you find that your calls are going unanswered, your needs are being ignored, or you’re left to navigate complex situations on your own, then your current agency isn’t providing the support you need. A good fostering agency will make you feel seen, heard, and valued, ensuring you never feel isolated in any stage of your journey.
You don’t feel as though you’ve had enough training.
Comprehensive and ongoing training is essential for any foster carer. Training equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage the diverse and often complex needs of the children in your care. If your agency is not providing sufficient or relevant training opportunities, or if the training feels outdated or inadequate, this is a serious concern. A lack of training can leave you feeling unprepared and anxious about your ability to provide the best care possible. Fostering agencies should invest in their carers, offering training that evolves to fit the needs of both the foster children and carers alike.
You’re not being sufficiently supported financially.
While foster carers are driven by the desire to make a difference in a child’s life, it is important that they are also sufficiently financially supported for what is a full-time role. Financial support is intended to cover the costs of caring for a foster child, from daily expenses to specialised needs. If you’re consistently finding that the financial support provided is falling short, or if payments are delayed or unreliable, it can put a strain on your ability to provide for the child you’re caring for. Agencies should ensure their carers receive the appropriate financial support promptly, allowing them to focus on the child’s needs without unnecessary stress.
You don’t feel like an equal member of your agency’s fostering team.
Fostering agencies are meant to work in partnership with foster carers, valuing their insights and experiences. If you feel like your voice isn’t being heard, your concerns aren’t being taken seriously, or you’re being excluded from important discussions, it’s a red flag. You are an essential part of the team, and your agency should always treat you as such.
The agency you’re fostering with seems to care more about money than the children.
At its core, fostering is about providing safe, nurturing environments for children in need. Unfortunately, some agencies may lose sight of this mission, and it is a serious cause for concern if you get the sense that your agency is more focused on numbers and profit margins than on the wellbeing of children. Good fostering agencies have a child-centred approach, putting the needs of children first and supporting their carers to provide the best possible care. At Step by Step Fostering, any funds we generate go back into our sister charity Step by Step Partnership, providing further young people with accommodation, personal development opportunities and specialist support services.
Deciding to transfer to a different fostering agency is not an easy decision, but your wellbeing and the welfare of the children in your care must come first. If you’re experiencing any of the signs above, it may be time to explore other fostering agencies that can provide the support, training, and partnership you deserve. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and finding the right agency can make all the difference in your fostering experience.
If you are interested in transferring agencies and would like to learn more about Step by Step Fostering, you can download our guide to transferring or contact our friendly team today.