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

Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council

Are you a Police Officer committed to protecting and supporting vulnerable people? You already have the safeguarding expertise, resilience, and communication skills needed to make a lasting difference in a young person's life.

We are looking for dedicated, emotionally intelligent individuals 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 take your public service experience and make a deeply personal impact that changes a life forever.

What is Step Forward Fostering?

Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering initiative that helps young people who have faced trauma, instability, and loss move from residential care into a nurturing family environment.

These young people need more than a place to live — they need someone like you: a calm, consistent adult who understands the effects of trauma and can offer trust, structure, and compassion.

As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you'll be surrounded by a professional support network and guided every step of the way. You'll never face this journey alone.

What You'll Receive:

We recognise the responsibility that comes with supporting a young person with complex needs. That's why we provide robust support — both emotionally and financially.

Specialist Support:

A dedicated 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 every year
24/7 Out-of-Hours Support
Access to a network of other Step Forward Carers for peer support
Training in trauma-informed care and neurodevelopmental understanding
Therapeutic and psychological support to build on your existing strengths
Financial Package:

We offer generous financial support to help you focus on building a stable, caring environment.

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

We are looking for Police Officers who are:

Looking to use their experience to make a difference in a new way
Skilled in building trust, assessing risk, and managing challenging behaviours
Calm under pressure, emotionally resilient, and solution-focused
Ready to provide consistency and care in a family-based setting
To Be Eligible, You'll Need:

Experience in a policing, community safety, or public protection role
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 Police Officer could be the foundation for a truly life-changing role