Approved foster carers are able to transfer to one of the ten local councils across Greater Manchester if they are registered with an independent fostering agency or are new to the area and have previously been registered with a local council outside Greater Manchester.

Transfer process

1. Enquire
Contact us on 0300 303 0321, email us at enquire@fosterforgm.com or complete our online enquiry form. A member of our team will contact you within one working day. You will then be allocated a fostering social worker who will connect you with your local council. An initial home visit will be arranged to discuss your transfer.

2. Application
You will be asked to complete an application form to transfer, and you will also need to consent for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and medicals to be carried out. You will need to inform your current fostering agency that you intend to transfer to your local council. After the completion of your application, your local council will allocate you a
fostering social worker. You will also be introduced to a foster carer ambassador who will support you through the process

3. Assessment
Your social worker will oversee your fostering assessment and will contact your current fostering agency to discuss the timing of your proposed transfer, to avoid disruption to any children you currently care for. Your social worker will arrange a further home visit to update your assessment information and
capture your valuable fostering experience.

4. Panel
Following a successful assessment, your social worker will make a recommendation for your approval to become a foster carer with your local council. You will be invited to attend a fostering panel alongside your social worker. The panel members, who have relevant experience in fostering, will review the assessment report prior to the panel.
They will discuss your assessment, ask questions, and provide an informed recommendation regarding your approval. They will also specify the age range and number of children that you will be able to care for. This recommendation is presented to the Agency Decision Maker (ADM), who will review all information and make the final decision around your approval.

5. Decision
Following your approval as a foster carer for your local council, an end date will be jointly agreed between the local council and your current fostering agency. Likewise, the date to commence fostering for your local council will be set. You will have access to ongoing advice and guidance through your local council and you’ll also be invited to training and support groups, where you can connect with foster carers and truly feel part of our fostering community.