A new model for fostering has launched in Cornwall based on the idea that it takes a village to raise a child.
Called Mockingbird, it sees foster families grouped into ‘constellations’ with a ‘hub home’ at the centre.
The idea is to create a local community of foster families who support and interact with each other on a regular basis, led by the hub carers.
They can all take part in sleepovers, activities and days out together, and hub families will organise bonding events such as film and pizza nights at their home for the whole constellation.
The aim is to provide a more supportive and nurturing environment for both the children and the families looking after them. It is hoped this will help attract and retain more foster carers.
Cornwall launched its first constellation for the St Austell area at a special event at Eden Project on November 30. It is hoped a second constellation will be launched in the spring with more to follow.
Mockingbird originated in the USA and is led by charity The Fostering Network in the UK. It has come to Cornwall following a successful funding bid to the Department for Education by Cornwall Council.
Speaking at the launch event, Brian Smith, Hub Home Carer for Cornwall’s first constellation, said:
“The whole process is designed to mimic an extended family, which is something that children in care don’t experience normally. Being a foster carer or being a child in care can be quite isolating and Mockingbird is a way of overcoming this.”
Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, cabinet member for children and families at Cornwall Council, said:
“As well as being a joy, being a foster parent can also be a really difficult and often isolating thing to do. This is why the Mockingbird model is so brilliant. Based around the concept ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, it brings these carers and families together into a community so they have a ready-made support network to help them negotiate whatever life throws at them.
“It’s great for the children, because they get to make friends with other young people in similar situations, and it’s great for the carers as they can share advice and experiences. The constellation becomes an extended family for everyone in it, which is fantastic.”
Statistics show that 17.5% of placements in the UK would have broken down if they hadn’t been supported by the Mockingbird programme. Furthermore, 9% of carers who are part of Mockingbird say they would have left if it wasn’t for the support the model provides.
Its launch comes at a time when numbers of children in care is rising and foster care applications are dwindling. At any one time there are up to 40 children or young people in Cornwall who need a place to call home.
Bethan Drew, Mockingbird Project Worker with The Fostering Network, said:
“We are delighted to launch Mockingbird in Cornwall. It is an evidence-based model that is structured around the support and relationships an extended family provides.
“Mockingbird nurtures the relationships between children, young people and foster families supporting them to build a resilient and caring community. The model aims to deliver sustainable foster care and we hope it will help both attract and retain foster carers in Cornwall.”
Steph Borys, a foster carer who is part of the new constellation, encouraged anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer to make that call, even if it’s just for a general chat.
Speaking at the launch event, Steph said:
“Do it! Get that call made! You will be surprised how rewarding it is, and how easy it is. It’s a long process but anyone can do it whether you are single, married, young or old, you can do it!”
If you could offer a child, teenager or siblings a home, call the Fostering South West hub on 0300 456 0120 or to find out more visit the fostering pages on the council's website.
Press release issued on December 11, 2024.