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