It takes a village to raise a child - Mockingbird

At Foster South Glos, we are thrilled to offer our foster carers the opportunity to be part of mockingbird an innovative approach to fostering that emphasises building supportive networks and communities around foster families.

The Fostering Network‘s mockingbird programme is an innovative method of delivering foster care using an extended family model which provides respite care, peer support, regular joint planning and training, and social activities.

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How mockingbird works

Constellations

Mockingbird joins up to ten foster families into “constellations,” promoting an extended family model where they support each other and overcome problems before they escalate.

Hub home carer

Each constellation is led by an experienced hub home carer. Who act as a mentor and provide immediate practical support, guidance, training and sleepovers.

Shared resources and support

All foster carers in the constellation have the opportunity to support one another, share experiences, training and signpost each other to help and advice they’ve found useful.

Making memories

Being a part of a constellation allows foster families to participate in monthly events and activities. This provides a chance to build new relationships, experience new activities, and embark on exciting adventures together.

Role model and relationship building

The constellation mimics an extended family structure, providing children and young people in care with healthy role models and opportunities to get to know other children in care.

Continuity and stability

Mockingbird recognises the importance of strong relationships, consistency, and a sense of belonging in promoting positive outcomes for our children and young people in care.

What do mockingbird home hub carers do?

Much like an extended family, our hub home carers resemble grandparents by knowing and supporting every adult, child and young person within their constellation. They celebrate their successes and support them through difficult times. The hub home carers organise monthly constellation meetings to bring everyone together, which come in many forms, from Sunday lunches and bring-and-share picnics, to days out at the beach and bowling nights. Hub home carers also provide planned and emergency support, including sleepovers, assisting with school runs, accompanying children and young people to appointments, and supporting with family time.

Hub home carers are at the centre of each of our mockingbird constellations, find out what a day in the life of a hub home carer entails.

Want to find out more?

If you are already a foster carer and would like to find out more about joining our mockingbird family model or interested in becoming a foster carer for the first time fill in the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.

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