Why Foster Carers Choose us
At Sunbeam Fostering North West, we are proud of our standards and the support and training we provide to all our foster carers.
We would welcome you to speak to our existing foster carers and professional staff to hear this firsthand.
Key reasons that foster carers look to transfer to Sunbeam Fostering North West include:
- Dedicated one-to-one social worker support
- Focused training
- Access to a support worker or high-level support
- Competitive allowances and overall career payments
- Support to assist with your transfer
- Relevant sector memberships
- Local focus on the North West of England
- Family ethos
- Specialist knowledge and experience in supporting foster carers from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds
Process for approved foster carers
If you are already registered as a foster carer with a fostering agency or Local Authority within the North West and are planning to move from your service provider to Sunbeam Fostering North West, we would be happy to discuss arranging a transfer.
As with jobs, sometimes you just need a change, or maybe you are looking for a new challenge. Whatever your reason for looking at our web page and considering transferring, please be assured that as a foster carer, you have the right to change fostering agencies.
The following steps outline the process:
1. Contact us and discuss your transfer
Please contact us through our Call Back Request or call us on 01253 311 322. We can then discuss your current fostering position, discuss transferring, and outline the process. We can also discuss your support, carer payment levels, and any planning.
2. Decide to transfer and share notice
After deciding to transfer, you would provide your “intention” to transfer to your existing fostering agency or Local Authority. You would also complete an application form.
3. The process for assessment starts
We would allocate an experienced Form F (fostering assessment) assessor to complete this and visit you regularly. We would also undertake the relevant checks and references.
4. Focused training plan
We can discuss your experience and skills to develop a targeted training plan together. We can also cover whether attending Skills to Foster would be beneficial.
5. Transfer protocol meeting
If you have current children placed, we will organise a meeting with the Local Authorities to plan the move and ensure safeguarding is covered. It is also very important to ensure positive outcomes are targeted, and all support is provided to the child or young person.
6. Panel stage
After completing your assessment and checks, we will organise your attendance at Sunbeam Fostering North West’s fostering panel. This would then provide a recommendation for the Agency decision-maker.
7. Welcome and join Sunbeam Fostering North West
Following the final decision, you would become approved foster carers with Sunbeam Fostering North West. You then provide a final 28-day notice to your current fostering agency or Local Authority. After the 28 days are completed, this is your effective transfer and joining date! Well done!
The Sunbeam Fostering North West team is here to assist you and provide support at all stages of the transfer process.