'We have seen difference Mockingbird Programme makes to foster carers'
Wirral has launched its second group of fostering families who will offer each other support as part of the Mockingbird Programme.
The Mockingbird Programme is an approach to fostering that provides carers and children with an extended family known as a constellation.
The first year proved highly successful for those involved. Carers provide peer support by sharing their experiences and knowledge.
In addition, families give each other breaks by looking after children in the constellation, organising things such as sleepovers, social events and activities.
It enables children to stay in a family-type environment with people they know. A social event for Halloween, which included making pizzas and activities such as face painting, took place.
Katie and Aaron Lenton-Kelly have been fostering for six years. For the second year of the Mockingbird Programme, they have volunteered to be Home Hub Carers, who will lead the constellation, having upsized their house to ensure they can accommodate more than the three children already in their care.
We have seen the difference that Mockingbird makes. It helps manage day-to-day life by having a community and support network.
To be able to offer a break for foster carers is great, while Mockingbird means children will be staying somewhere they will really enjoy.
It feels like they are staying with a family member or a friend, while foster carers don’t have to worry or feel guilty about having a break. You’re letting children have a lovely night or weekend away and getting some downtime.
Mockingbird is vital for new foster carers to have support and people around them who have experienced what they’re likely going through.
If they can’t get hold of a social worker and have a question, there’s the option to ask someone in the constellation. It should help retain foster carers and make them realise they can do it.
Sometimes, you hear it’s been several years since a foster carer had a break for the night – that is a long time to not be able to be an adult for the night.
To give someone that break and do it in a way that’s easy and enjoyable for the children is great. I think it will save a lot of people from leaving fostering and benefits in the long term.
The Mockingbird Programme proved highly successful in its first year, giving foster carers support and helping build relationships with other families, and that will continue.
The programme has significant benefits for children and young people, allowing them to build friendships with others in a similar situation and help them thrive.
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.
We want to attract and maintain as many foster carers as possible and Mockingbird gives us a greater chance of achieving this.
Do you think you could foster?
Anyone considering fostering can get in touch to find out more about the various types of fostering and the extensive support available.
Wirral Council is part of Foster4, a collaborative fostering recruitment hub in the Northwest.
If you’d like to find out more about fostering, visit the Foster4 website.
