First fostering ‘constellation’ of families launches
Wirral’s first fostering ‘constellation’ of families launches as part of Mockingbird project
An approach to fostering which provides carers with an extended family of similar parents and support, is being rolled out, with the borough’s first ‘constellation’ of families launching.
Mockingbird is an innovative programme for delivering foster care which can bring significant benefits to the lives of fostered children and those who look after them.
It involves foster families being part of a group of six to 10 foster families (known as ‘satellite foster families’) becoming part of an extended family and together form a ‘constellation’.
Cllr Stephen Bennett, Chair of Wirral’s Children, Families and Education committee, said:
The Mockingbird model provides foster care that is structured around the support and relationships gained from an extended family.
This approach to fostering gives children and young people a chance to build friendships with other children in care. It has been shown to decrease the disruption in children and young people’s care journey and empowers families to support each other and overcome problems before they escalate.
At the heart of each constellation is a ‘hub home’. This is where a specially recruited and trained foster carer supports all carers within the constellation by offering support and advice, respite care, sleepovers and social activities.
Sarah and Gary are experienced foster carers. Theirs has been appointed as the hub home for the borough’s first constellation.
Gary said:
Being a hub carer is about creating a natural environment for lots of families to thrive within and support one another.
Relationships are central to Mockingbird. The hub home carer builds strong relationships with everyone in the constellation, empowering families to support each other and overcome problems before they escalate or lead to placement breakdown, which increases protective factors around the children.
Sarah said:
[I’m looking forward to] being able to support families and celebrate them – during the highs and lows of fostering, giving them that wrap around support so that they feel better equipped to do what they need to do as foster carers.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a Foster Carer, you can find out more via: Foster4 – Foster carer recruitment service | Cheshire and Merseyside Homepage or by calling 03456460098.
