Transferring to us

Your transfer to the Oxfordshire County Council Fostering Service in seven steps.

We are very pleased we decided to make the move, it was easy for us and did not affect our fostered child at all. We are still very impressed with the support we receive - Elaine and Derek, foster parents.

Transferring to the Oxfordshire County Council Fostering Service

When you choose to transfer to us from any independent fostering agency (IFA), or other local authority, it’s at your pace.

We’ll make the process as easy and stress-free as possible, and our competitive allowances and skills fees mean a transfer won’t leave you out of pocket.

Most importantly, we won’t contact your current agency until you have discussed your plans with them and said you are happy for us to start the process.

Your transfer in seven steps

Express your interest in a transfer with this form.
We match you with a fostering social worker to see if a move is right for you, and then give you time to consider the transfer.
If you choose to transfer, your fostering social worker will complete your assessment and contact your current agency to
- ensure the transfer will not disrupt any children in placement,
- agree on transfer arrangements, and
- work out time frames.
A social worker will visit you to update your Form F which is a written account of your assessment.
Your report is presented to our fostering panel for 'in principle agreement' for your approval.
Together with you and your current agency, we arrange a new approval start date, and an old approval end date.
We confirm arrangements with you, any children in placement, and their social workers once the transfer is complete.

Further guidance

There is further guidance in the Fostering Network Transfer Protocol

Transferring to the Oxfordshire County Council Fostering Service

Your transfer in seven steps

Further guidance

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