We are absolutely delighted to announce the arrival of Naomi and Matthew to the Lighthouse Fostering family! Growing our community of dedicated carers is always a moment for celebration, but it is especially heartening when experienced foster carers choose to continue their fostering journey with us.
Naomi and Matthew have joined us after transferring from another agency, bringing with them two years of valuable fostering experience and a whole lot of passion for making a difference. We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to supporting them as they continue to provide a loving home for children in care.
A Seamless Transfer Experience
Changing agencies can sometimes feel like a daunting prospect for foster carers. There might be worries about paperwork, the approval process, or disrupting existing placements. However, Naomi and Matthew’s experience highlights just how smooth and supportive the transfer process can be when you have the right team behind you.
We understand that transferring is a big decision, and our goal is always to make it as stress-free as possible. Naomi recently shared her thoughts on the move, noting:
"My partner Matthew and I transferred to Lighthouse Fostering recently, we have already been fostering for two years. The transition to Lighthouse Fostering was remarkably smooth."
At Lighthouse Fostering, we prioritise communication and personal support. From the very first conversation, we assign a dedicated team member to guide you through the necessary steps. For Naomi and Matthew, this meant working closely with one of our Supervising Social Workers.
"We had a lovely Supervising Social Worker who met with us to update our information," Naomi explained.
Having a friendly, consistent point of contact ensures that new foster carers feel heard and valued from day one. It transforms what could be a bureaucratic process into a collaborative partnership.
Accommodating Your Needs
We know that life doesn't stop just because you are transferring agencies. Our foster carers lead busy lives, and we believe our processes should fit around them, not the other way around. This flexibility was key for Naomi and Matthew during their approval panel.
All foster carers must go to panel for approval, even when transferring. While this is a formal requirement, we strive to make it a positive and accessible experience.
"We had to attend panel again but this was a positive experience," said Naomi. "Lighthouse Fostering went above and beyond to accommodate us. We did panel online as we were taking a short break abroad at the time."
Being able to facilitate an online panel meant that Naomi and Matthew could enjoy their holiday without delay to their transfer. We are proud of our ability to adapt and find solutions that work for our families. It is part of our commitment to being a modern, responsive fostering agency.
Transferring with a Child in Placement
One of the most common questions we get from carers looking to transfer is: "What happens if I already have a foster child living with me?"
It is a completely understandable concern. The stability of the child is paramount, and no one wants to disrupt a settled placement. We are pleased to say that transferring with a child is not only possible but is managed with the utmost care to ensure stability.
Naomi and Matthew’s experience is a testament to this:
"We have been supported every step of the way, I’m very glad we made the decision to move. We have a foster child already part of our family and this did not complicate transitioning to a new agency."
When a child is already in placement, we work closely with the Local Authority and the previous agency to ensure a seamless transition. Our protocol ensures that the child’s needs remain the central focus, and for the child, day-to-day life continues as normal. They stay in the same home, go to the same school, and keep the same carers; the only change is the support network around the adults.
Encouraging Others to Join Our Community
At Lighthouse Fostering, we pride ourselves on being a friendly, approachable, and supportive fostering community. We believe that happy, supported foster carers provide the best care for children. Hearing that Naomi has found our team to be welcoming is the best feedback we could ask for.
"I encourage anyone who is unsure to contact Lighthouse Fostering and talk to them. I have found everyone to be really friendly."
If you are an experienced foster carer feeling unsupported in your current agency, or perhaps just looking for a change, we invite you to follow Naomi’s advice. Changing agencies is easier than you might think, and we are here to answer any questions you might have.
We are so pleased to have Naomi and Matthew as part of our Lighthouse family and look forward to supporting them on their continued fostering journey. Welcome to the team!