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Since introducing The Fostering Network’s Mockingbird Family Model at the end of 2019, North Somerset Council has supported 44 looked after children and their foster carers using the pioneering scheme.
The Mockingbird Programme, which in the UK is delivered by leading fostering charity The Fostering Network, is an award-winning and sustainable foster care model. It sees a constellation of fostering households set up in a similar structure to that of an extended family, structured around the support and relationships that provides.
In North Somerset there are three constellations. Each is led by a hub home foster carer who offers vital peer support and guidance alongside social activities and sleepovers to strengthen relationships.
Cllr Catherine Gibbons, Executive member for Children’s Services, said: “Thanks to the community support Mockingbird provides, 44 children have been provided with secure and stable families, and the breakdown of relationships has been avoided, meaning more of North Somerset’s children can grow up with the stability they deserve.
“Here in North Somerset the Mockingbird programme is a game changer, both for our children and our foster carers and we’re so proud of everything our three constellations have achieved.
“Our Mockingbird foster carers feel supported and we are seeing an increase in the retention of foster carers because of it. If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer with us, please come forward. We welcome people from all backgrounds, of all different ages, genders, ethnicities, no matter your relationship status or sexual orientation, so if you think you can make a difference to children’s lives please get in touch.”
Fostering North Somerset will be holding a virtual fostering information evening on Wednesday 23 February from 6.30pm to 8pm. The event will take place on Zoom.
To take part in the evening, or if you would like to find out more about becoming a foster carer, email fostering@n-somerset.gov.uk, call 01275 888 999 or visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/fostering.