Transferring Foster Agencies - Hear From Foster Carer Sharon
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
On The Sofa With Sal
In this episode of On the Sofa with Sal, Apex Fostering founder Sali sits down with Sharon, one of our wonderful foster carers in Essex, to talk about her fostering journey — including the moment she realised she needed to consider transferring fostering agencies.
Like many carers, Sharon didn’t begin fostering with the idea of switching agencies. When she first started exploring fostering, she simply searched online, found an agency that seemed like a good fit, and began the process.
At the time, she was excited about the opportunity to open her home to a child who needed stability and care. But as time went on, she realised something important was missing.
When the Right Support Isn’t There
Fostering can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging. When those challenges arise, having the right support around you makes all the difference.
For Sharon, that support wasn’t always there.
Working with a very large agency meant that when she needed help, she often found herself speaking to people who didn’t know her or the child in her care. Social workers changed regularly, and each time she had to explain the same situation all over again.
When you are dealing with complex situations, that lack of continuity can feel incredibly isolating.
“You need somebody who understands you, your child, and what you're going through,” Sharon explains.
Without consistent support, she began to question whether fostering was sustainable long term, even though she loved caring for the child in her home.
Transferring Fostering Agencies Felt Like a Big Decision
Eventually, Sharon began thinking about transferring fostering agencies, but the idea felt daunting.
She worried about what might happen if she gave notice to her current agency and whether the process would cause disruption for the child already living with her.
These concerns are incredibly common among foster carers. Many people assume that changing agencies must be complicated or stressful, especially when a child is already placed with them.
But Sharon discovered something quite different.
A Smoother Transition Than Expected
Although she felt nervous about starting the process, Sharon describes the transfer itself as surprisingly straightforward.
There were conversations and paperwork, of course, but the process was handled carefully and respectfully. Most importantly, the child already in her care remained completely stable throughout the transition.
“The child I had in care was totally oblivious to the change,” Sharon says. “It was an easy transition.”
For many carers, the fear of disrupting a child’s life is the biggest barrier to exploring a transfer. Sharon’s experience shows that, when handled properly, the process can be far less stressful than people expect.
The Difference the Right Support Makes
After transferring, Sharon quickly noticed a change in the level of support around her.
Instead of feeling like just another name in a large organisation, she felt part of a team that genuinely knew and understood the carers they worked with. There was always someone available to speak to, whether she needed advice, reassurance, or simply someone who understood the situation.
That sense of community made a huge difference to her confidence as a foster carer.
“We know there’s always somebody on the end of the phone,” she says. “There’s always somebody there.”
For foster carers, that feeling of not being alone can make all the difference.
Fostering as a Single Carer
Sharon’s story also challenges a common myth about fostering — that you must be part of a couple.
She fosters as a single carer, and for her it works beautifully.
Her wider family are part of the journey too, with her grandchildren welcoming the children she fosters as part of the family. In fact, the children simply tell people they have “extra cousins.”
For Sharon, fostering isn’t something separate from her life. It is simply part of her family.
Starting Fostering Later in Life
Another part of Sharon’s journey that resonates with many people is when she started fostering.
She began later in life, after her own children had grown up and her circumstances had changed. Like many people in a similar position, she realised she still had the energy, experience, and love to offer children who needed it.
For Sharon, fostering has become one of the most rewarding decisions she has ever made.
Thinking About Transferring Fostering Agencies?
Sharon’s story is one many foster carers will recognise.
If you are already fostering and wondering whether another agency might offer the support you need, it’s worth remembering that transferring fostering agencies is possible — and with the right guidance it can be a smooth and positive experience.
At Apex Fostering, we believe carers should always feel supported, valued, and part of a community that understands the work they do.
If you would like to learn more about transferring fostering agencies or simply want to have an informal conversation about your options, our team would be happy to talk.
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