Become a Step Forward Foster Carer – A Life-Changing Opportunity for Healthcare Assistants and Support Workers Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council Have you worked as a healthcare assistant, support worker, or in another role caring for vulnerable people? You already have the compassion, patience, and dedication needed to change a young person’s life. We are looking for people just like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers — offering a safe, nurturing home to a young person moving from residential care. This is a unique opportunity to use your care skills in a deeply personal and life-changing way. This could be your most meaningful and rewarding role yet — offering not just care, but a future full of hope. What is Step Forward Fostering? Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering project that helps young people who have faced trauma, loss, and instability to transition from residential care into a loving family environment. These young people aren’t just looking for a roof over their heads — they need someone like you: a caring adult who can offer emotional support, guidance, and the consistency they’ve often lacked. As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you won’t be doing this alone. You’ll be part of a supportive team, working alongside professionals who are there to help you every step of the way. What You’ll Receive: We know that caring for a child with complex needs is a big commitment. That’s why you’ll be fully supported — both emotionally and financially. 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 every year 24/7 Out-of-Hours Support, so you’re never alone Access to a peer network of other Step Forward Carers Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and neurodevelopmental needs Therapeutic and psychological support to strengthen your skills Financial Package: Caring for a young person with complex needs takes exceptional commitment. To reflect this, we offer a generous financial package, supporting you to focus fully on providing the stability and care each child deserves. £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) Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and religious celebrations Tax exemptions designed especially for foster carers Is This You? We are looking for people who are: Compassionate and emotionally resilient Experienced in caring for vulnerable people (whether children, adults, or both) Confident in building trusting relationships Committed to making a real, lasting difference in a young person’s life Then you could be exactly who we’re looking for. Please note: Ideally, applicants should not have children under 16 living at home, but we consider each family situation individually. To Be Eligible, You’ll Need: Experience supporting vulnerable children, young people, or adults Full-time availability and a spare bedroom A willingness to complete our professional training The right to work in the UK You've Already Made a Difference – Now Make It Personal. You have the heart, the skills, and the drive. Now, Step Forward and become the healing presence a child needs. This isn’t just offering a home – it’s offering hope, security, and a future. Apply today and find out how fostering could be the most powerful decision you’ll ever make. About TACT TACT (The Adolescent and Children’s Trust) is the UK’s largest fostering charity, with over 30 years of experience supporting carers and children. As a not-for-profit organisation, every penny we make is invested back into providing outstanding support to our foster families and young people. Together with Bury Council, we’re keeping local children within their communities — where they can thrive