As a Mockingbird Hub Home Carer, you’ll take on a leadership role—supporting a constellation of foster families through mentoring, community-building, and short breaks.
Role description
As a Mockingbird Hub Home Carer, you’ll take on a leadership role within a close-knit network of foster families known as a “constellation.” This innovative model, developed by The Fostering Network, mirrors the support of an extended family—offering emotional, practical, and social support to foster carers and the children they care for.
You’ll work alongside a Liaison Worker to support 6–10 fostering families, helping to build strong relationships, prevent placement breakdowns, and create a resilient, caring community. This role is ideal for experienced foster carers who are passionate about mentoring others and strengthening the fostering system through connection and collaboration.
Responsibilities include
- Build community by hosting regular social events, coffee mornings, and training sessions for foster families.
- Provide emotional support through ongoing check-ins and guidance for satellite carers.
- Advocate for children and carers by attending key meetings and supporting transitions like adoption or independent living.
- Support family time and stability by helping coordinate contact and transition arrangements.
- Offer practical help such as sleepovers, day care, and short-term relief when carers need support.
Criteria
To become a home hub carer, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Be an experienced foster carer with a strong understanding of children and young people’s needs.
- Have a spare bedroom, plus an additional bed space for sleepovers or emergency care.
- Be a full-time resident in the UK or have leave to remain.
- Be aged 21 or over.
- Be committed to building relationships, mentoring others, and creating a supportive community.
We believe that families come in all shapes and sizes. We welcome foster carers from all backgrounds and we’re proud to celebrate the strength and diversity of our fostering community.
You could foster if you are:
- A single person or part of a couple (including same-sex couples)
- A homeowner or renting
- Working full-time, part-time, or not currently employed
- From any cultural, ethnic, or religious background
You just need the time, energy, and space to care for a child or young person.
How we support you
By joining our team, you will benefit from:
- Competitive financial support
- An extensive training and development programme offering you the opportunity to develop your skills in supporting children and young people
- A dedicated social worker to support you and your family throughout your fostering journey
- A 24-hour support line, seven days a week
- Therapeutic support from our WAYPOINT team
- A network of support from experienced foster carers including support groups and buddying scheme
- Support for birth children and foster children from our WAYPOINT team
- Award-winning Mockingbird Family Model, with constellations to support our fostering families
- Regular activities and events for the whole family
- A variety of discounts and benefits from venues across the UK
If you have the patience, commitment and understanding required to care for children and young people, we’d love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
A constellation is a group of 6–10 fostering families supported by a central Hub Home Carer. It’s designed to mirror the support of an extended family, offering emotional, practical, and social connection to strengthen placements and reduce isolation.
Yes, as a Hub Home Carer you may provide planned or emergency sleepovers and short-term care, but your primary role is to support other foster carers and help build a strong community.
You’ll work alongside a Liaison Worker and receive full training, ongoing support, and access to a network of professionals to help you succeed in your leadership role.
