Become a Step Forward Foster Carer – A Life-Changing Opportunity for Education Welfare Officers
Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council
Are you an Education Welfare Officer who works closely with families to improve school attendance, wellbeing, and outcomes for vulnerable young people? You already have the safeguarding knowledge, persistence, and empathy needed to make a life-changing difference in a young person’s life.
We’re looking for dedicated professionals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers — offering a stable, nurturing home to a young person transitioning out of residential care. This is your chance to take your commitment to children’s welfare beyond the school gates and into a safe, supportive family environment.
What is Step Forward Fostering?
Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering project that helps young people who’ve experienced trauma, loss, and instability move from residential care into a secure and caring home.
These young people need more than accommodation — they need someone like you: a calm, reliable adult who understands complex family dynamics, emotional need, and the importance of consistent care.
As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you’ll be supported by a professional team every step of the way. You’ll never be alone on this journey.
What You’ll Receive:
We know that caring for a young person with complex needs is a big responsibility — that’s why we provide strong emotional and financial support.
Specialist Support:
A dedicated Senior Practitioner offering regular supervision and advice
A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and the young person in your care
A Hub Carer providing up to 28 days of planned short breaks each year
24/7 Out-of-Hours Support
Peer support from a network of other Step Forward Carers
Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and neurodevelopmental understanding
Access to therapeutic and psychological support
Financial Package:
We offer generous financial support so you can focus fully on providing care and stability.
£1,052 per week while a young person is placed with you (around £54,704 a year)
£408 per week retainer between placements (up to £21,216 a year)
Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations
Tax exemptions specifically designed for foster carers
Is This You?
We are looking for Education Welfare Officers who are:
Passionate about supporting children and young people beyond the classroom
Skilled in managing challenging behaviour and complex family situations
Calm, resilient, and able to build trusting relationships
Ready to apply their experience in a therapeutic 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 Education Welfare Officer could be the foundation for a truly life-changing role