News
We are delighted to report that our new independent fostering agency is open and already supporting young people. Step by Step Fostering has achieved the milestone of Ofsted registration and is now onboarding its first foster carers.
There is a desperate need for new foster carers in the UK, with a huge waiting list of children and young people to be homed. It is estimated that in the next year alone, 1,500 additional foster carers will be required in our area of operation.
Step by Step Fostering aims to meet some of that need, while passing any excess funds back to parent charity Step by Step. In this way, our fostering agency will be able to help even more young people find the brighter future they deserve, while doing even more good in our communities.
An official launch event took place on Wednesday 13th March to celebrate a pivotal point on Step by Step’s journey. We were pleased to welcome a number of key guests, including Amelia Riviere, High Sheriff of Hampshire.
Before cutting the ribbon to officially launch Step by Step Fostering, Amelia commented: “It’s an honour to be part of the launch of this fantastic new initiative. Children and young people need stable, caring homes if they are to thrive, and it was inspiring to hear about Step by Step Fostering’s plans to make a difference to many more young lives.”
The new fostering agency is the brainchild of Step by Step CEO Debbie Moreton, herself a foster carer for many years. Debbie commented: “We’ve been supporting young people facing homelessness for over 30 years, and having walked the path of a foster carer myself, I intimately understand both the joys and challenges inherent in this role. This first-hand experience underscores the critical importance of ensuring that every child and young person within the foster care system has access to the support and opportunities essential for their growth and success.
“I firmly believe that regardless of circumstances, every individual deserves the chance to realise their fullest potential.”
Step by Step Fostering operates across six counties in the South of England – Hampshire, Surrey, Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire and West Sussex – with a focus on supporting young people aged 11-18 in particular. It is unique among fostering agencies in that the funds it raises will be fed back to a charitable cause.
To find out more about Step by Step Fostering, including opportunities to become a foster carer, please visit www.stepbystepfostering.co.uk.
Step by Step’s Supported Lodgings has become the first service of its kind to achieve Ofsted accreditation. We are now the largest Supported Lodgings provider in the UK, as well as being considered the authority in the field.
