Specialist Foster Carer Application
Specialist Foster Carer Application
Location: Greater Manchester
Contract Type: Self-Employed
Salary: Up to £54,704 per year (£1,052 per week ) when a child is placed
£408 per week (£21,216 per year) between placements
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.
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
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