TACT is delighted to announce its first approved foster carer to come from its Step Forward project in Bury, marking a significant milestone for the charity.

Step Forward is a specialist fostering model designed for children and young people living in residential care who are ready to live in a family environment. Many of these children have experienced trauma and may need additional emotional or behavioural support. Step Forward carers are part of a professional team and are matched to each child to ensure their individual needs and personalities are fully understood and supported.

Caroline, our first approved carer to come from the project, will be a ‘hub carer’. A hub carer is retained full time to support up to six young people along with their step forward foster carers. They offer advice and support, and work closely as a part of the wider support team. Caroline is a registered Creative Arts Psychotherapist and has worked with children and young people previously using a trauma informed approach. Caroline, who has supported large organisations and charities to develop trauma informed practices, said: “The Step Forward model recognises that children with complex experiences need more than just a placement, they need a team around them and carers who are supported. It’s much more about providing safety and consistency over time and understanding that these children may hold a lot of trauma.

“If you believe that children deserve understanding and a chance to feel safe, and if you value being part of a supportive team rather than working alone, then becoming a Step Forward carer can be an incredibly rewarding path.”

She explains that Step Forward is not about ‘fixing’ children but providing the right conditions for them to feel safe and supported. Caroline spoke positively about the support she has received from TACT through regular supervision, which enables carers to feel valued and helps children to feel supported.

Caroline’s approval is an important milestone and reinforces TACT’s commitment to improving outcomes for children.

Building on this progress, TACT is now moving ahead with plans to develop further Step Forward ‘hubs’ across Greater Manchester and Merseyside, with recruitment already underway. Read more about becoming a step forward foster carer.