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Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
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Finding the
Right Fit: Reasons Foster Carers Transfer Agencies
Sheloise Brown
Foster carers provide stability, care and nurture to vulnerable children when
they need it most. However, finding the right fostering agency to support carers
on this journey is crucial. Keep reading to discover the main reasons why some
foster carers decide to transfer fostering agency and the importance of finding
one that is the right fit.
Lack of Support
One
of the most common reasons foster carers decide to
transfer fostering agency is
because they feel unsupported in their role. Fostering can be isolating at
times, and a good agency should provide regular supervision, training, access to
support groups and out-of-hours assistance. If carers feel they are not
receiving adequate support from their agency, they may look to switch fostering
agencies in the hopes of finding an agency that will provide better back-up.
Poor Communication
Open and honest communication between the agency and the carer is vital.
However, sometimes, agencies can be slow to respond to queries or do not keep
carers informed of important updates regarding the child. This breakdown in
communication understandably causes frustration for the carer. Moving to an
agency that values clear and timely
communication could vastly improve the carer's experience.
Loss of Trust
Trust between the agency and carer is fundamental to a good working
relationship. But this trust can break down over time, especially if the agency
makes decisions about a child's placement without properly consulting the foster
carer. Things like the unannounced move of a child can seriously damage the
relationship. Finding an agency built on mutual trust and respect may,
therefore, motivate some to transfer fostering agency.
Lack of Say in Matching
One
of the most disheartening things for foster carers is taking placements that end
up being a poor match for their skills or family situation. A good agency will
take time to find suitable matches by carefully learning about the carer's
capabilities. However, some agencies match children to carers out of desperation
without considering if it will work. Carers wanting more say in matching may
choose to move agencies as a result.
Poor Training Provision
Ongoing training is a lifeline for foster carers, keeping their skills up to
date and better equipping them to handle challenges. If an agency offers
substandard or sporadic training opportunities, carers can feel deprived of
chances to develop their abilities. Moving to an agency delivering high quality,
regular training tailored to the carer's needs could transform their fostering
experience for the better.
Distance/Catchment Area
Sometimes practical reasons like an agency's location or catchment area not
being suitable can motivate a transfer. For example, being placed too far from
the agency offices or in a different county can cause issues with accessing
support. Relocating to an agency operating in a more convenient geographic area
may, therefore, be preferable.
While moving fostering agency is often a last resort, it can be the fresh start
that helps foster carers rediscover the joy and fulfilment of the role when they
find an agency that is the right fit. Agencies must be committed to building
strong, supportive relationships with their carers and addressing any issues
early on that could lead to breakdowns in trust. When everyone works together
united by the shared mission of improving outcomes for fostered children, foster
carers will feel valued, connected and able to make a real difference.
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About the Authors
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
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