Specialist Foster Carers

Specialist Foster Carers

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TACT is looking for experienced, compassionate, and resilient individuals to join our Step Forward fostering scheme – a specialist type of foster care designed to help young people transition from residential care to a stable and nurturing family environment.

This is not an employed role, but as a self-employed foster carer, you will receive generous professional fostering fees & allowances, full training, and comprehensive support.

What is Step Forward Fostering?

Step Forward Foster Care is for young people who have been in residential care and need a therapeutic, long-term family environment. These young people may have complex needs, have experienced trauma or disruption, and will be the only foster child in your home. You will play a vital role in helping them achieve stability, security and the opportunity to thrive in family life.

Where is Step Forward Fostering Available

Our teams are ready to support you on your Foster Carer journey if you are resident in the following locations:

South West - Specifically Bristol, Gloucestershire and Bath

West Midlands - Specifically Birmingham, Sandwell and Dudley

North West - Specifically Greater Manchester & Liverpool, and

Wales - Specifically Cardiff

Financial Stability & Recognition

We value your dedication and expertise – and ensure you are rewarded fairly:

• Up to £54,704 per year (£1,052 per week) when a child is placed

• £408 per week retainer (£21,216 per year) between placements

• Additional payments and allowances available

• Special fostering tax exemptions, meaning lower tax compared to most employed roles

Qualifications and Experience

We’re looking for people who can commit to this life-changing role. To be eligible, you must:

• Have experience supporting vulnerable children (some relevant roles may include work in fostering, residential care, social work, youth work, SEN work, care work, therapeutic work or similar)

• Be able to offer a dedicated bedroom in your home for a child

• Have the right to work in the UK

• Commit full-time to fostering (without other employment)

• Work as part of a team to support the child’s needs

• Willingness to undertake therapeutic and trauma-informed training

The Support You’ll Receive

We know this is a specialist role – which is why we offer outstanding support and training so you’ll never feel alone on your fostering journey:

• A dedicated Senior Practitioner for guidance and supervision

• A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and the child

• Planned breaks – 28 days per year with the help of a Hub Carer

• Access to a network of specialist foster carers for peer support

• Comprehensive training, including therapeutic and neurodevelopmental courses

• Psychological consultations and access to specialist therapeutic input

• 24/7 out-of-hours support whenever you need it

How to apply

Interested in finding out more? We’d love to hear from you. Apply today at Step Forward Fostering | TACT

Foster carers are self-employed and subject to fostering regulations and approval processes, including checks, training, and assessment.

TACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all foster carers to share this commitment