Transfer to Olive Branch
We’re not just another agency. We’re a team that genuinely cares about you, your family, and the children you look after. If you’re looking for a more supportive, family-feel fostering agency, let's chat.
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Thinking of Transferring Fostering Agencies?
Transferring to a new fostering agency is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a hard one. Get in touch today about transferring agencies.
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Why transfer to Olive Branch?
If you're already a foster carer, chances are you’ve poured your heart into the role.
You’ve created a safe haven, offered unwavering support, and been a steady presence through thick and thin to children in need of a home.
You deserve that same level of support from your fostering agency.
If you transfer to Olive Branch, you will get:
Real support, not just promises
You’ll be matched with a dedicated social worker who knows you, knows your child, has regular scheduled visits, and answers the phone when you call. No bouncing between departments or long waits.
Generous fostering allowance that reflects your hard work
Our payments are competitive, transparent, and reviewed on an annual basis to make sure you’re compensated for the incredible care you provide. Transferring to us does not result in a change to your remittance from the agency you are currently approved with.
A smooth, stress-free transfer process
Whether you currently have a child in placement or not, we’ll guide you through the transfer every step of the way with minimal disruption to you or the children you care for.
Wraparound support from people who know you
When you need help, you’ll get through to an on-call social worker, not a call centre. They’re available 24/7 for anything you need.
Therapeutic Services Team when you need it
Our Therapeutic Services team is here for both you and the children in your care, offering tailored guidance, counselling, and emotional support.
A close-knit community
We offer regular support groups, training, and social events to help you feel part of something bigger.
We keep things personal
We love really getting to know you and how we can support you best. That one-to-one approach helps us build strong relationships with our foster carers, which helps them to create the kind of nurturing environment where children can truly thrive.
If that sounds like something you’re missing, you’re in the right place.
Transferring to a new agency can feel like a big change, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. We’ll walk you through the process, every step of the way.
Don't just take our word for it
Whenever we face challenges, Olive Branch has been amazing, there’s always someone on call. Just to know that we have someone from our support network available is so reassuring.
— Lyndsey, foster carer
The Olive Branch team support us all along the way. We don’t feel alone, which is why we feel it’s so important to be with an agency. Our Supervising Social Worker is great, but anytime you need to speak to someone about anything, even if you just need a moan, someone at Olive Branch is always there to pick up the phone.
— James, foster carer
How to Transfer Fostering Agencies
If you're considering switching to a different fostering agency, the first step is simply to get in touch. It’s your chance to learn more, get a feel for how we work, and see if we’re the right fit for you.
Then, the actual transfer process is pretty straightforward.
Here's how to transfer fostering agencies with a child:
1. Give Written Notice
If you decide to transfer to Olive Branch, the first step is to let your current fostering agency and the child’s local authority know in writing.
2. Transfer Meeting
Once that’s done, the local authority will arrange a transfer meeting. This meeting is a chance for us, your current agency, the child’s social worker, and any other key professionals to come together and make sure the child’s welfare stays front and centre.
We’ll talk through how the transfer will work, make sure nothing disrupts the care already in place, and cover practical things like fees and what the transition will look like over the coming weeks. Everyone involved will need to agree that moving forward won’t cause any instability for the child.
3. Priority Fostering Assessment
After the meeting, we’ll start your accelerated fostering assessment. It’s much quicker than the first time you were assessed, and helps us understand your strengths and experience to make sure we’re setting you - and the children you care for - up for success.
4. Independent Panel Review
Once that’s done, your report goes to an independent panel who’ll recommend whether you should be approved to foster with us.
5. Final Approval
If your case gets the green light, the final step is to hand in your notice to your current agency. Once the standard 28-day notice period has passed, we’ll be ready to officially welcome you to the Olive Branch Fostering family.
Here's how to transfer fostering agencies without a child:
1. Let Your Current Agency Know
Start by notifying your current fostering agency in writing that you intend to transfer. This helps keep everything open and transparent from the beginning.
2. Skip the Transfer Meeting
Because there’s no child in your care, there’s no need for a formal transfer meeting. That means we can get things moving a bit faster.
3. Begin Your Fostering Assessment
We’ll carry out a shorter version of the original assessment you had when you first became a foster carer. This includes standard checks, references, and paperwork to make sure everything is in place for you to continue fostering.
4. Panel Review
Once your assessment is complete, we’ll present it to an independent panel who will review and make a recommendation about your approval.
5. Final Approval and Notice
If the panel gives their approval, you’ll submit your resignation to your current agency. After the standard 28-day notice period, you’ll officially be part of the Olive Branch family and ready to welcome your next placement with our full support behind you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Transferring agencies with a foster child is easy.
We’ll work with your current agency and the local authority to ensure the transition is smooth and in the best interests of the child.
There’s no need for a complete reassessment, just a short report which we’ll help you complete.
Once approved, we’ll be ready to welcome you and your child to the Olive Branch family.
No, the child’s well-being comes first. We’ll liaise with the local authority and your current agency to ensure a smooth transition.
Not fully. Instead of starting from scratch, we’ll complete a short transfer report. We’ll handle the paperwork and keep things simple.
Usually within 3 months. We’ll keep things moving and stay in close contact with you throughout.
We ensure that transferring to us does not change your current remittance from the agency with which you are approved.
We review our foster carer remittances on an annual basis to ensure that you are recognised and rewarded for your hard work and commitment to the children you look after.
Transfer to Olive Branch
If you want to know more about transferring fostering agencies or what it’s like to be a foster carer with Olive Branch, give us a call. There’s no pressure and no commitment. Just a friendly chat to explore what’s possible, what support you’re missing, and whether Olive Branch could be a better fit for you.
Contact usStill have questions about fostering?
Choose a date and time on the calendar below, and one of our fostering advisors will give you a call to discuss any questions you might have.