Understanding Step Across Fostering

When Tom first met the young person he would be fostering, it was over hot chocolate at a local café. the young person, aged 9, had spent most of his childhood in residential care after several placement breakdowns. But this meeting felt different, it was calm, unhurried, and full of possibility. Over the next few weeks, they met again: at the park, during school pickup, and eventually for an overnight stay. By the time he moved in, it wasn’t to a stranger’s house—it was to a home he had helped choose. This is the heart of Step Across Fostering at Progress. 

At Progress, we’re passionate about giving every child the best possible environment to grow, thrive and feel safe. One of the ways we do this is through our Step Across Fostering model which is a unique approach designed to support children moving from residential care into a stable, loving family home. 

Unlike conventional fostering, Step Across offers a carefully planned and supported transition for children who may have experienced significant adversity. These children often come from residential settings where they’ve had multiple carers and a structured group environment. While this model meets many needs, it doesn’t always offer the consistency and emotional stability of family life. Step Across aims to change that. 

What makes this model stand out is the tailored matching process. Because the young persons are often already supported within Progress’ residential services, our team knows them well. This gives us a unique ability to match them with foster families who are not only available but suitable—in personality, environment and expectations. From school logistics to shared interests and cultural considerations, every detail can be factored in to get the match right from the start. 

For potential step across foster carers, Step Across offers a more gradual and informed route into fostering. It is ideal for those who value planning, relationship-building and long-term commitment. Rather than reactive placements, this model enables carers to meet the child beforehand, build rapport and introduce them to the wider family at the young person’s pace. 

Foster carers are not alone in this journey. They are supported every step of the way with therapeutic input, ongoing training, regular respite, and the chance to connect with other carers who have experienced Step Across placements. What’s more, before welcoming a child into their home, carers can shadow staff in Progress’ residential services, giving them valuable exposure to the behaviours and routines of children with complex needs. 

The children themselves are also actively supported during this process. Each young person is assigned a dedicated family support worker who checks in with them throughout the transition—asking how they’re feeling, what is going well and what needs to change. This input ensures the move into family life feels safe, empowering and right for the child. 

This approach isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Step Across is designed for people who are patient, empathetic, resilient and ready to commit long-term. If you are someone who struggles with saying goodbye or who values deep, lasting bonds, this path may be for you. Because ultimately, the goal of Step Across is to offer consistency, familiarity and a true sense of family to children who have often gone without. 

At its heart, Step Across is about restoring normality, building family bonds and giving children the chance to feel safe, seen and loved every single day. 

Interested in becoming a Step Across foster carer? 

We’re here to guide you every step of the way. 

Visit our fostering page or call our team on 01902 561066 to learn more about how you can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.