Innovative Mockingbird support model expands across the North-West, transforming foster care

Foster carers across parts of the North-West are celebrating the opportunity to join the ground-breaking Mockingbird model, now available through local council fostering programmes in Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness. Launched at the end of last year, the pioneering programme is already making a significant difference in the lives of foster carers, children, and fostering teams.

Mockingbird led by The Fostering Network in the UK, 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. This is achieved through a "constellation" of six to ten satellite families, providing foster carers with a vital sense of connection and access to shared resources, advice, and encouragement.

Gillian Clark, who is part of the first constellation in Cumbria and supported by hub home carers Alex and Ian Nancollis, said: “I am really enjoying being part of it. It provides that safety net that there is always someone there to support you when you need it. Even though you may have friends and family nearby, other carers know exactly what you are going through and can offer that extra level of support and advice, which means you feel more confident.”

Alex, who is Gillian’s Hub Home carer, agreed: “Becoming a foster carer can be challenging but this new programme focuses on bringing foster carers together to support each other and the children in their care.”

Cllr Emma Williamson, Executive member for Children and Family Wellbeing at Cumberland Council, said:  "The constellation is working wonderfully in Cumberland. Those involved have become an extension of the family for the children in foster care. They meet up regularly so that the children can play together, and the foster carers can socialise and share experiences.”

Cllr Janet Battye, Cabinet member Children’s Services Education and Skills at Westmorland & Furness Council, added: “It's so important to support our foster carers, and who better to help (alongside our specially trained staff) than a team of other foster carers? We are really pleased that we now offer this additional support in Westmorland and Furness and are confident that this will be another great reason to foster with us.”

The success of Mockingbird is already evident. According to the Fostering Network, up to 9% of foster carers participating in the programme, report they would have resigned without the support it provides. This retention has led to significant cost savings, with an estimated £2.6 billion saved in fostering services by 2022.

The success of the Mockingbird programme in the North-West has prompted each participating council to plan the expansion of more constellations to support additional foster carers. This expansion will ensure that more children and families benefit from the valuable community and network that Mockingbird provides.

For further information, please contact cumbriafostering.org.uk