Mockingbird Fostering Model Launches in Cornwall: A New Approach to Supporting Families

A new fostering model called Mockingbird has launched in Cornwall, bringing a fresh approach to supporting children in care and their foster families. Inspired by the concept that “it takes a village to raise a child,” the programme groups foster families into supportive “constellations,” with a central “hub home” leading the way.

What Is the Mockingbird Model?

Developed in the USA and brought to the UK by charity The Fostering Network, Mockingbird aims to mimic an extended family environment. Each constellation consists of foster families who regularly interact and support one another, creating a close-knit community. Activities such as sleepovers, group outings, and events like film and pizza nights help to build bonds within the group.

According to Brian Smith, Hub Home Carer for Cornwall’s first constellation, “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.”

A Boost for Foster Care in Cornwall

Cornwall Council launched the county’s first constellation in the St Austell area with an event at the Eden Project on 30th November. The council hopes to expand the programme, with plans for a second constellation in the spring. The project was made possible by funding from the Department for Education.

Barbara Ellenbroek, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for children and families, praised the programme: “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.”

Barbara highlighted the benefits for children in care, who gain the opportunity to build friendships with others in similar situations, while carers can share advice and experiences.

Positive Impact of the Model

National statistics demonstrate the success of Mockingbird:

• 17.5% of placements in the UK would have broken down without the programme.
• 9% of foster carers said they would have left fostering without the support Mockingbird provides.

Bethan Drew, Mockingbird Project Worker with The Fostering Network, shared the long-term goals: “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.”

A Call for New Foster Carers

Cornwall currently faces a growing need for foster carers, with up to 40 children or young people in the county requiring a home at any time.

Steph Borys, a foster carer in the new constellation, encouraged others to consider fostering: “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!”

For more information or to start your fostering journey, call the Fostering South West hub on 0300 456 0120 or visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/fostering.

Mockingbird’s introduction in Cornwall marks a hopeful step towards creating stronger support networks for children in care and the families who welcome them.

Photo: A Fostering South West ‘Mood Bear’ with a cake to celebrate the launch of Mockingbird.