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Become a Step Forward Foster Carer – A Life-Changing Opportunity for Safeguarding Officers
Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council
Are you a Safeguarding Officer who works every day to protect vulnerable children and young people from harm? You already have the vigilance, empathy, and professional insight needed to make a life-changing difference in a young person’s life.
We are looking for committed, compassionate individuals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers — offering a safe, supportive home to a young person transitioning out of residential care. This is your chance to use your safeguarding expertise in the most personal and meaningful way — by becoming the consistent adult a child can trust.
What is Step Forward Fostering?
Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering project supporting young people who have experienced trauma, instability, and loss, helping them move from residential care into a stable, caring family home.
These young people need more than a roof over their head — they need someone like you: someone who recognises the signs, understands their history, and can provide the emotional safety and structure they’ve never had.
As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you’ll be fully supported by an expert multi-agency team. You’ll never be alone on this journey.
What You’ll Receive:
We understand the level of commitment needed to support a young person with complex needs — and we ensure you have the emotional, practical, and financial support to succeed.
Specialist Support:
- Your own Senior Practitioner offering regular supervision and guidance
- A Family Wellbeing Worker to support both you and your foster child
- A Hub Carer providing up to 28 days of planned short breaks each year
- 24/7 Out-of-Hours Support
- Peer support through a network of other Step Forward Carers
- Ongoing training in trauma-informed care, attachment, and neurodevelopmental needs
- Access to therapeutic and psychological support
Financial Package:
We provide a generous package so you can focus on giving a young person the safety and support they deserve.
- £1,052 per week while you have a child placed with you (around £54,704 a year)
- £408 per week retainer between placements (up to £21,216 a year)
- Additional allowances for birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations
- Tax exemptions specifically designed for foster carers
Is This You?
We are looking for Safeguarding Officers who are:
- Passionate about protecting vulnerable children and helping them rebuild
- Experienced in identifying and responding to complex needs
- Emotionally resilient, empathetic, and calm under pressure
- Ready to take their professional safeguarding skills into a home setting
To Be Eligible, You’ll Need:
- Full-time availability and a spare bedroom
- A willingness to complete our professional training
- The right to work in the UK
Take the next step in your career and become a Step Forward Foster Carer. Your experience as a Safeguarding Officer could be the foundation for a truly life-changing role.
