Transfer to us

How you can transfer to us if you're already a foster carer with an independent fostering agency.

We understand that switching fostering services is a big decision, but it can also be a positive step towards finding the right fit for you and the children in your care.

Why transfer to Bristol

Many carers choose to foster for Bristol City Council because of:

• access to high-quality training
• service and peer support networks
• participation in the innovative Mockingbird programme
• stronger local connections
• a not-for-profit, local authority service that reinvests in children and carers
• personalised support from a dedicated, experienced team

Fostering Network's State of the Nation's foster carer survey 2024

Our Bristol foster carers tell us that they feel exceptionally valued and supported. In our recent annual fostering survey, our Bristol carers rated our training and support offer higher than the nation's carers who completed the Fostering Network's State of the Nation's foster carer survey (FNSoNS) 2024.

• 77% of Bristol carers rated the pre-assessment training as good or excellent (67%, FNSoNS 2024).
• 70% of Bristol carers rated the pre-assessment training as good or excellent (63%, FNSoNS 2024).
• 80% of Bristol carers said that their supervising social worker was one of their main sources of support (75%, FNSoNS 2024).
• 93% of Bristol carers said that they rated the support from their supervising social worker as excellent or good (74%, FNSoNS 2024).
• 60% of Bristol carers said that they rated the support from the fostering service in general as excellent or good (51%, FNSoNS 2024).
• 61% of Bristol carers said they would recommend fostering to others (48%, FNSoNS 2024).

About transferring to us

If you're an existing foster carer and feel it's time for a change, we'd be delighted to talk to you. You might currently be fostering for an agency or moving into Bristol from another local authority area.

We will be there for you every step of the way. Be reassured that, if you choose to transfer to us, you can continue caring for the children who are currently staying with you and with whom you have a special bond.

We follow the transfer protocol established by The Fostering Network.

In most cases, we can fast track applications from people who are already fostering.

When you've made the decision to transfer to Bristol, if you're already a foster carer with an independent fostering agency you could move to us in as little as 28 days.

The Fostering Network's Agency v Local Authority webpage might help you get a sense of how fostering for Bristol City Council is different to fostering for an independent fostering agency.

How to transfer to us

If you decide to transfer to us:

• email us at fostering@bristol.gov.uk or call us on 0117 353 4200 to let us know you're interested in fostering with us
• let your agency know that you intend to resign
• give your agency written permission to share your paperwork with our Fostering team
• give your agency formal written notice that you're resigning once you've been accepted as one of your foster carers

What happens next

As long as all your checks are up to date, such as DBS, we won't need to do these again.

One of our social workers will visit you a few times. They'll then write a review and send it to our fostering panel, along with the paperwork your agency shares with us.

Once the panel has had a chance to read the review and give you the green light, welcome to our Bristol fostering family!