At Fostering South West, we are proud to be part of the innovative Mockingbird programme, developed by The Fostering Network. This model is designed to provide foster carers with a supportive community, enhancing the fostering experience for both carers and children.
What is Mockingbird?
The Mockingbird model is a pioneering approach to foster care that creates a network of support for fostering families. This model is structured around a ‘constellation’ of six to ten fostering families, with a central ‘hub home’ providing guidance and support.
Some local councils within Fostering South West already have multiple Mockingbird Hubs up and running, whereas others are currently in the process of integrating this into their fostering service.
How does the model work?
Community and support
The Mockingbird model fosters a sense of community among foster carers, offering peer support that feels both natural and structured. This network allows families to share experiences, participate in joint activities, and access training together.
An extended family
Being part of a Mockingbird constellation means expanding your social circle. Foster carers and children benefit from an extended family network, participating in activities, celebrations, and short breaks together.
Learning and sharing
Foster carers in the constellation can collaborate on planning and training, sharing their knowledge and experiences to support each other.
Your constellation of support in fostering
In the Mockingbird model, each cluster of fostering families is referred to as a constellation, typically comprising six to ten families. These families can vary in size and structure, including single-parent foster carers, couples, and their biological children, alongside any children in their care.
Foster carers within a constellation form a connected community, emphasizing mutual support, skill-sharing, and regular social interactions.
At the heart of each constellation is a central home hub, managed by dedicated and experienced foster carers. Additionally, each constellation benefits from the guidance of a family support worker from the local authority, ensuring comprehensive support for all families involved.
We are a group of people with different experiences. We all help each other like one big family and the 24hr support is what makes this so special.
A North Somerset council mockingbird hub home carer
What are the benefits?
Creating memories
Fostering families in a Mockingbird constellation have a ready-made network for socializing and adventures, creating lasting memories together.
Positive role models and building relationships
The extended family structure provides additional role models for children, helping them build healthy relationships and feel part of a larger community.
Support and stability
With the hub home at the centre, foster carers have a reliable source of support, ensuring they never feel alone in their fostering journey.
Find out more
Each partner organization within Fostering South West has its own unique Mockingbird programme, or is in the process of launching these. If you’re an existing foster carer interested in joining a constellation, please reach out to your support team for further details.
For those considering fostering, you can express your interest in the Mockingbird scheme during the application process.
To learn more about the programme’s rollout across the UK, visit the dedicated Mockingbird page on The Fostering Network’s website via the button.
Interested in starting your fostering journey?
Get in touch with one of our experienced, friendly team to discuss your potential future as a foster carer…