Dorset Council is set to launch two new Mockingbird constellations this year, enabling more than 25 per cent of its foster carers to have access to 24/7 wrap-around support and an invaluable extended family support network.
The Mockingbird model of family support creates an extended support network for foster carers, their families, and the young people they look after. The model gives foster carers instant access to support from trusted foster carers in their local area, with members of the constellation offering judgement-free peer advice and experience-led support.
Each Mockingbird constellation has a hub home carer – a dedicated and experienced foster carer – who maintains the running of the constellation.
Meet Chris, a Mockingbird hub home carer from Weymouth
Chris Smart (age 54) and his wife Angela have been fostering for 13 years. During this time, they have looked after 14 young people, with many of them staying with the family long-term.
As well as being experienced foster carers, Chris and Angela are Mockingbird hub home carers, offering support to a network of 10 foster families in Weymouth, with 20 adults and 15 children and young people between them.
Chris says, “In the past, fostering could sometimes be a lonely job, but the support available under the Mockingbird model has changed this for us.
“When we read the description for the Mockingbird Family Model of support and what being a hub home carer involved, we felt it would really make a difference to the support on offer to Dorset’s foster families.
“We have monthly in-person get-togethers and the support is invaluable. Foster carers can get advice from other carers who have experience and who understand the situation they are in. They can message late at night or over the weekend and get support at any time.
“The young people get to see other familiar faces, so if there is a relationship breakdown, foster carers can lean on another adult in the constellation for support.”
What would you say to someone who is considering fostering?
“Absolutely do it. If you have that mindset and you’re thinking about it, then investigate it. The rewards outweigh the tough times without a shadow a doubt. We have had so many positive outcomes.
“I would ask people to challenge older stories that surround fostering and negative talk. The set-up has improved and the support available has been transformed. When you foster with Dorset Council you know you’re not walking into this alone, you are entering a supportive fostering community.”
“No one person makes the best foster carer. Everyone has different life skills they can offer and bring to the table. Age or relationship status shouldn’t matter, and you’ll be supported in the areas that you feel less experienced in.”
Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help said:
“Dorset Council is leading the way when it comes to implementing the Mockingbird model of family support. The feedback from foster carers has been fantastic, and we look forward to offering this level of support to more of our foster families over the coming year.
“Our aim is to keep Dorset’s young people within the county they call home. To do this, we need more foster carers. If you can offer a young person a safe, secure, and loving home then get in touch and find out more.”
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, or would like to find out more, then head to our website for further information, download an information pack or submit an enquiry.
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