Oldham Council launches pioneering Stepping Forward fostering campaign

Oldham Council has started a new fostering route called Stepping Forward, the first of its kind in Greater Manchester, to move children out of residential homes and into family life. The scheme targets youngsters who could cope in a household if matched with carers trained to handle deeper emotional needs.

Jo, a full-time senior manager and already a foster parent, is the town's first Stepping Forward carer. She took in a second boy who had spent years in a children's home; within months the lad was giggling, joining clubs and doing better at school. The council says the careful build-up, from letting him choose his bedroom paint to meeting the family dog, made the difference.

Carers do not need prior childcare jobs. The council will accept applicants from policing, nursing, teaching or simply people with patience and a spare room. They receive specialist training, a social worker on call and an annual package worth more than £75,000.

Connor Pinnons, who manages the children-in-care team, says the scheme looks for 'resilience and stickability' rather than perfect CVs. Social worker Alex Dale adds that while residential care suits some teenagers, others only start to trust adults once they share a kitchen table.

Oldham currently has one Stepping Forward placement and wants more. The council will hold further vetting rounds this year, but bosses warn each match is planned slowly to avoid further disruption for children who have already moved too many times.