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

Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council

Are you a Psychological Therapist who works every day to support emotional healing, resilience, and recovery? You already have the insight, compassion, and therapeutic skill set needed to make a profound difference in a young person's life.

We're looking for reflective, emotionally intelligent professionals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers — offering a safe, stable home to a young person transitioning from residential care. This is your chance to apply your therapeutic understanding beyond the clinic, creating real, lasting impact in a family-based setting.

What is Step Forward Fostering?

Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering programme supporting young people who have experienced trauma, loss, and instability, helping them move from residential care into a nurturing home.

These young people aren't just looking for shelter — they need someone like you: a consistent, supportive adult who understands trauma, emotional regulation, and the importance of secure relationships.

As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you'll work alongside a multi-agency team with therapeutic support built into the model. You'll never be alone on this journey.

What You'll Receive:

Caring for a young person with complex emotional needs requires structure, insight, and support — which we provide every step of the way.

Specialist Support:

Your own Senior Practitioner offering regular supervision and professional guidance
A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and the child in your care
A Hub Carer providing up to 28 days of planned short breaks per year
24/7 Out-of-Hours Support
Peer support from a network of other Step Forward Carers
Ongoing training in trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and neurodevelopment
Therapeutic and psychological support to complement your clinical expertise
Financial Package:

We offer a generous financial package so you can focus fully on building a therapeutic, stable home environment.

£1,052 per week while a child is 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 designed specifically for foster carers
Is This You?

We are looking for Psychological Therapists who are:

Passionate about supporting recovery and emotional development
Skilled in understanding and managing trauma, anxiety, attachment, and behavioural challenges
Calm, consistent, and emotionally resilient
Ready to bring their therapeutic values into a family-based care 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
If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you