Mockingbird Family Model

Mockingbird led by The Fostering Network, delivers sustainable foster care. It is an evidence-based model structured around the support and relationships an extended family provides. The model nurtures the relationships between children, young people and foster families supporting them to build a resilient and caring community.

Based on the model’s structure, Mockingbird helps alleviate the sense of isolation some foster carers can feel and offers immediate practical support – similar to that a non-fostering family might receive from friends and relatives.

Once approved, you have the option to join one of our Mockingbird constellations, where you will benefit from:

Foster carer led advice, guidance and emotional and social peer support
Monthly social events and days out giving you and the children and young people you care for the opportunity to build friendships and have fun
Planned breaks and if required, emergency sleepovers for the children and young people in your care
Support with sibling and birth family time
Formal and informal training and development opportunities
Support through to permanence (birth family, long-term fostering family, adoption and transitioning to independence)

Watch The Fostering Network’s short film below to hear from hub home carers and satellite families about their experiences of being part of Mockingbird.