Becoming a Stepping Forward carer is a full‑time role. It is open to both experienced and new foster carers who have the right skills, qualities and experiences to help children and young people move from a residential care into a family home. Ideally you will be able to demonstrate experience of working with children and adolescents with complex backgrounds and have a strong support network. Being able to work as part of a team is also essential. Previous experience in fostering, staying put or working in relevant professions such as education, health, youth service, probation or police would be beneficial. We encourage people with experience in the following areas to apply:
* Experienced foster carers
* Teachers or teaching assistants
* Residential support workers
* Youth workers
* Police officers
* Probation workers
* Anyone who works with children or young people
Skills needed include resilience, understanding of therapeutic parenting and trauma, empathy, openness and patience. You will also need a spare bedroom and have the time and flexibility to care for these children and young people. All types of people make great Stepping Forward carers, so please don't rule yourself out!
We understand that this role can be challenging. That's why all our carers receive extra financial support and a tailored support package. This is designed to give you the best possible chance of success. We want all our foster carers to feel prepared, supported and confident.
Stepping Forward carers will receive:
* An enhanced financial package with an annual combined skill and allowance fee of £78,000 while the child or young person remains in placement. This includes holiday, festival, and birthday allowances.
* A bespoke training and support package to help develop your skills.
* Ongoing therapeutic support from the fostering service and regular consultations with a clinical psychologist.
* Educational support from the Virtual School.
* Stepping Forward to Foster Care is very much a team approach and we will be with you every step of the way. You will have access to senior managers, as well as your own supervising social worker who will be there to offer ongoing support.
Could I be a Stepping Forward carer? The children and young people needing a Stepping Forward foster family tend to be aged 9 upwards and from different backgrounds, so we need a range of carers for these children and young people. Before making a placement, we aim to match carers with children and young people who we feel are best suited and are able to meet their needs.
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