Become a Step Forward Foster Carer - A Life-Changing Opportunity for Counsellors

Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council

Are you a Counsellor who supports people through their most vulnerable moments with empathy, active listening, and emotional insight? You already have the compassion, patience, and resilience needed to make a profound difference in a young person's life.

We are looking for emotionally attuned, reflective individuals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers — offering a safe, stable home to a young person transitioning from residential care. This is a unique opportunity to bring your therapeutic skills into a family-based setting, where your support can change a life.

What is Step Forward Fostering?

Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering project that helps young people who've experienced trauma, instability, and loss transition from residential care into a secure and nurturing home.

These young people don't just need a place to stay — they need someone like you: a trusted adult who understands trauma, emotional regulation, and the importance of building a safe, consistent relationship.

As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you'll be part of a professional, trauma-informed team. You'll never be alone on this journey.

What You'll Receive:

We recognise that caring for a young person with complex needs is a big commitment — which is why we provide you with ongoing professional, emotional, and financial support.

Specialist Support:

Your own Senior Practitioner offering regular guidance and supervision
A Family Wellbeing Worker to support 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 from other Step Forward Carers
Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and neurodevelopmental needs
Access to therapeutic and psychological support
Financial Package:

We provide generous allowances to ensure you can focus on providing care and consistency.

£1,052 per week while you have a child placed with you (around £54,704 per year)
£408 per week retainer between placements (up to £21,216 annually)
Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations
Tax exemptions specifically designed for foster carers
Is This You?

We are looking for Counsellors who are:

Passionate about supporting emotional healing and personal growth
Skilled in trauma-informed listening and relationship-building
Calm, resilient, and committed to providing a stable home
Ready to bring their therapeutic approach into a nurturing family environment
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
If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you