As a family-owned and run independent agency, Next Step provides a specialist Fostering service to our Local Authorities, blending a true sense of family with excellent industry professionalism. We train and carefully match the best Foster Carers available with looked after children across the Thames Valley - remaining part of those families’ lives and offering continued support to help children and their carers thrive. Not all children get the best start in life but it’s our Foster Carers that help them heal and flourish. No matter what your circumstances, marital status, gender or background (even whether you have children of your own or not) if you have the compassion and commitment to care for a Foster child, we'd like to hear from you.