ifa

[elfish]

we foster with local authority, i have truly had enough of them.

if we applied to foster with an IFA would we need to go through a whole new home study and would we be able to keep our current foster child in placement, she is long term?

we would be looking to do long term teenagers

Hi, Yes I am sure you have to go through most of the assessment again but it does take a lot less time as some of the details they will use again, like your address and work history. Things like medicals, DBS checks and references need to be redone.
I would think you would be able to move and take the child with yu as they wouldn't want any disruption to her, the allowances you get paid I think would stay as they are and you would not get the higher rate that a lot of the IFA pay.
Is it not something you can sort out with your LA, if you have a long term placement the input they have should be very little shouldn't it? I always thought that you where left alone a lot more once a placement had become permanent.
But then again as we all know they do and can make the rules up as they go along!!

thank you.

can anyone recommend the best agencies to look at, we are in the midlands

Can I suggest you look at the Transfer Protocol by Fostering Network. This is used by LA's and agencies alike, so will give you an idea of what to expect when transferring.

You will need a new assessment as the IFA will need to be assured they have completed all the checks references and up dated your experiences since fostering. However, it should be quicker and if you have the information to hand, you could probably assist greatly with the process as you have been through it before.

www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/sites/www.fostering.net/files/content/transfer-protocol.pdf

In terms of recommending an agency - there are so many to choose from that range in quality, support and training. I would suggest contacting three or four and invite them to come and visit and talk about your options to transfer and what training and on going support they will offer. Don't forget to check their Ofsted reports as well.

Hope that helps!

You can take your child with you. Not sure about your area but look at action. For children and core assets they havecgood packages of therapeutic support in my experience

I'm with fca foster care
Associates and couldn't recommend them more their one is the largest foster
Companies in the are and are
Recruiting.

thank you Claramaion, we are currently going through the complaints procedure but will defiantly look into approaching agencies after that