Foster carers who use an independent agency go through all of their training and development with them and then work with the children that come into their care. Even though at first, some agencies feel like a good fit, there is nothing wrong with exploring other options if you are not connecting with their values or feel let down for another reason. Here’s what to do if you want to change fostering agencies but you are not sure where to start.
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Write Down Your Concerns
The first point of action is to write down everything that is making you feel this way. When it is all there to see on paper, it will be easier to think about how to frame the conversation with your agency. It is beneficial to find a safe space to talk things through with their team, but you will need a list of pointers to help the communication go smoothly. This will be an emotive situation and some people find it hard to advocate for themselves under pressure. Agencies should always listen to any mode of feedback, and there may yet be a solution in place that you haven’t manifested.
Do Some Research
If you have this conversation and things are still not satisfactorily concluded, it is time to start researching other options. You can start with a simple search for an alternative fostering agency near me and browse the results to see what comes up. You may be pleasantly surprised at the options, or it may lead you to reevaluate your choices.
Notice of Intent to Resign
If you have made your mind up and your heart is set in stone, it will be time to hand in your ‘notice of intent to resign’. This is a letter that details your intentions to your current agency so that they are kept in the loop and can make provisional care arrangements for any outstanding child in your care. This is followed up by your official notice, and you should expect to give them a month or so to ensure it will be a smooth transition if you are currently working with an active placement.
Make Sure They Have What You Need
Any new agency that you offer your expertise and foster care services to should have an updated profile of what you expect and need as a carer. This means everything that you disagreed with or took issue with from your old agency should be reasonably resolved by the new agency before you sign up with them. They should help you, alongside the old agency, to make a real plan of care for any children you are currently looking after. They also need to be able to answer any issues you flagged in your most recent agency. If both of these things happen, then you know you have found a great option. For instance, if your old agency did not provide enough respite, this should be a top priority in any conversation you have moving forward.
If you want to change fostering agencies, you will have to move through the official channels to get it done.
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Please note this is a contributed post. Views and opinions are not necessarily my own.
