Stepping Forward Foster Carer

We need fosters carers to join our exciting new scheme Stepping Forward to Foster Care.

In Oldham, there are some amazing young people currently living in residential homes. But what they really need is a foster family to care for them and help them thrive and that's where you could step in.

What support is available?

Becoming a Stepping Forward carer is a very rewarding experience. You will be helping a child or 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.

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.

Becoming a Stepping Forward carer is a full-time role. It is open to both experienced foster carers 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 will also be 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:

Skills needed include resilience, understanding 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!

How do I apply?

If you are interested in our Stepping Forward to Foster Care Scheme, we would love to hear from you.

Please email fostering@oldham.gov.uk with your name and mobile number and a member of our fostering team will be in touch.

More information is available at www.oldham.gov.uk/fostering

Supporting Documents

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