Transfer Foster Care Services Medway Kent
Transferring to foster with The Hazel Project Request A BrochureGet In Touch
Foster Parents are the key professionals involved in the delivery of care to vulnerable children – living with the child and therefore knowing them better than any other, they need to be valued and respected accordingly.
This respect must extend to the fact that Foster Parents have freedom of movement and are themselves in the best position to judge where best their needs will be met.
If the Foster Parent have their needs met, they are in a much better position to meet the needs of the children they care for.
The welfare of the child at the centre of this process will be considered at all times to ensure a smooth and effective transition. We have streamlined our transfer process to make it as quick, easy and stress-free as possible – without compromising quality – and this can often be completed within weeks from the moment of application to transfer.
We are always happy to talk to existing foster parents, who for many different reasons feel the need to explore making a change and joining an organisation where they will be truly valued for the incredible work that they do.Â
What it is to foster with our organisation?
Fostering with us means becoming part of a professional, caring team. You are a valued and respected professional parent, recognised and paid for the important work you do in supporting young people. We provide training to build on the knowledge and experience you already bring, helping you understand and support children who may be struggling or challenging. Both thinking and feeling are essential – and yes, we even provide a lovely lunch!
You will have regular support through monthly one-to-one meetings with your fostering supervisor and group meetings with other local foster families to share experiences, challenges, and successes. You’ll be actively involved in meetings about the children in your care, working alongside their social workers, schools and others involved in their lives.Â
Record keeping is an important part of fostering. You will complete daily logs and regular reports online to ensure the children’s needs are fully documented and supported. Many of us have fostered, as adults or as children in a fostering family – we love to celebrate just how fabulous this work is…Christmas parties for children and adults and family fun days abound!
Transferring, the Hazel Project’s way – our step-by-step guide.
We understand that the idea of transferring can feel daunting, which is why we’re here to support you every step of the way and have worked hard to make the process as straightforward and efficient as possible. While we are required to carry out our own assessment of your suitability to foster, we recognise that you have already been approved by your current agency. This means we are able to build on the work already completed, helping to avoid unnecessary repetition.
Diverse Care and Xcel 2000 are sister organisations, working closely together under The Hazel Project. Whichever organisation you choose, we will collaborate to ensure your transition is as smooth and seamless as possible.
Deciding to transfer is a big step, and we are committed to supporting you throughout. This guide walks you through the process so you know what to expect at every stage.
Your Journey Starts Here
If you want to learn more, we will arrange a visit to your home with our Director. This is a relaxed and informal meeting where we can get to know you better and talk through your reasons for wanting to transfer.
Reviewing Your Application
Following this visit, you will be invited to complete part of a Transfer Form document which forms your formal application to foster with us.
Once your application has been received, it will be carefully reviewed by our team. This helps us ensure that we are the right organisation to support you moving forward.
The Assessment Process
If your application is accepted, your assessment will begin. You will be introduced to your Assessor, who will guide you through the process, as well as your Fostering Supervisor, who will support you once you have transferred.
You will need to formally notify your current fostering agency of your intention to transfer. We understand this can feel daunting, and we will support you to do this at the right time and in the right way.
We will agree on a target date for your fostering panel which is usually within four to six weeks, depending on your individual circumstances.
At this stage, we will send you a number of important documents to complete. These include consent forms, and other essential paperwork. We will also begin necessary background checks.
Gathering Information
During your assessment, we will carry out a range of checks and gather information to build a full picture of your experience and strengths as a foster parent.
If you are currently caring for foster children a Transfer Protocol Meeting will be arranged. This brings together key professionals to ensure that the move between organisations is carefully planned and as smooth as possible.
We will review your fostering records from your current organisation and gather references.
Getting To Know You
Your assessor will meet with you to complete your assessment.
Final Steps Before Panel
Your assessment will be shared with the fostering panel and our decision maker.
You will be invited to attend panel after which a final decision will be made by our decision maker.
Now is the time to give your 28 days notice.
Welcome To Your New Chapter
Welcome to your new chapter. Once the 28 day notice period has been served you will officially transfer to us.
Please do get in touch if you are interested in finding out more.
So many amazing foster parents are leaving the profession for reasons unrelated to caring for the children who need them. Things can be different. Get in touch to find out more about fostering with us, where foster parents are appreciated for the incredible work that they do and respected for their skills and expertise. Be part of an organisation committed to transforming the lives of vulnerable children through comprehensive, high quality foster care services.