A new approach to foster care

An American fostering concept has been launched in Scotland by a leading charity.

Barnardo’s Scotland is running a version of the mockingbird programme, an innovative method of foster care that provides sleepovers and short breaks, peer support, regular joint planning and training, and social activities.

One experienced foster family is the hub home, linking to other foster homes offering support and advice.

Sue Brunton, assistant director for Barnardo’s Scotland Fostering, said: “We strongly believe the Mockingbird Family Model enhances what we do, by offering an extended family fostering model to carers and children within the constellation, and places relational based practice at the very heart of it. 

“This works very much like an extended family, providing children and young people with a more positive experience of care.”    

Tanya, Foster care with Barnardo’s Scotland Fostering for 10 years and the first Mockingbird Hub family in Scotland said:  “We hope to empower families to support each other and overcome problems before they escalate.

“We believe in the principles of the Mockingbird Model where it is like an extended family with an average of eight satellite families, something we think children in care are missing out on at times.”

The first Mockingbird Family Model has been created with families in Edinburgh and east Lothian, but the charity aims to add additional constellations across Scotland following the evaluation of the Mockingbird programme. 

It is calling on people over 21, who have a spare room and the time and commitment to support a child to get in touch and consider fostering.

In an effort to share the need for foster carers staff across the charity have all committed to telling five members of their social and professional networks about fostering.