In Oldham, there are some children and young people who are living in residential homes when they don’t need to be. These children and young people need a foster family to care for them. The Stepping Forward scheme is all about finding carers for these children and young people.
Benefits
Becoming a Stepping Forward carer is a very rewarding experience. You will be helping a young person move from a residential home into a safe and loving foster family.
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.
Carers on this scheme will receive
- An enhanced financial package with an annual combined skill and allowance fee of over £70,000 while the child or young person stays in placement. This includes holiday, festival and birthday allowances.
- A bespoke training package to help you develop your skills.
- Ongoing therapeutic support from the fostering service and regular consultations with a clinical psychologist.
- Educational support from the virtual school.
Become a Stepping Forward carer
Being a Stepping Forward carer is a full-time role. It is open to both experienced foster carers and new carers who have the right skills, qualities and experience to help children and young people move from residential care into a family home.
We encourage people with experience in the following areas to apply:
- Experienced foster carers
- Teachers or teaching assistants
- Residential support workers
- Youth workers
- Police
- Probation workers
- Anyone who works with children or young people
Contact us
If you are interested in applying for the Stepping Forward to Foster scheme, we would love to hear from you.
Call our friendly team on 0300 303 0321 or complete our online enquiry form.