I write this petition as a result of my personal experience as a Foster Carer who simply attempted to relocate from one English County to another. What I encountered was an obstructive and tedious process that made transferring to the new County Council unduly difficult. This experience has left me questioning my decision to continue providing foster care, a choice that should not be taken lightly given the significant shortage of Foster Carers across all UK Councils.

In England, there are over 80,000 children in care, and the need for Foster Carers is desperately increasing (source: National Fostering Agency). Yet, complex regulations and restrictions hinder many willing individuals from providing these children with the stable and loving environment they need. 

One such unnecessary complication is the requirement for, already approved, Foster Carers to undergo a reassessment process when relocating to a different County. This only serves to delay or prevent Foster Carers from making changes that might improve their lives, or the lives of the children they care for.

Hence, we are calling for a revision of this policy. A carer's approved status should be transferable and recognised by all County Councils reducing the need for lengthy and unnecessary reassessments. An up to date DBS and a reference from the Current County Council to the new County Council should be sufficient. All other professionals who work with children can freely move to any County without being reassessed. The same needs to be applied to Foster Carers.

Join us in making it easier for foster carers to continue their vital work, regardless of where they live in the country. Please sign this petition today to support this important cause.