Imagine a world where experienced foster carers...
can pass on what they've learned over the years...
where new foster carers have peer support available on-tap.
And children can go for sleepovers with foster carers they know, without paperwork getting in the way.
Welcome to Mockingbird
Mockingbird is an extended family model of foster care developed by The Fostering Network. Flintshire Fostering Service is The Fostering Network’s first mockingbird partner in Wales.
What is Mockingbird?
The Mockingbird Model is an innovative method of foster care using the Mockingbird Family Model. This is an extended family model that provides respite care, peer support, regular joint planning and training, and social activities.
The Mockingbird programme is based on the Mockingbird Family Model, which was originally developed by The Mockingbird Society in America in 2004.
Adapted by The Fostering Network, the Mockingbird model is where one foster home acts as a hub for other carers offering planned and emergency sleepovers as well as advice, training and support. The hub home foster carers providing support to around six to 10 other foster carers in their community. The aim of the programme is to improve placement stability for the child and the fostering family and help them build stronger relationships.