Creating an extended family of support for our foster carers

During Social Work Week Bury Council is sending out a big ‘thank you’ to all social workers in the borough working with our vulnerable children, young people and adults.

Among the activities taking place during the week, the council’s Fostering Team has launched its Mockingbird Family Model project, which is to create a family network community to afford improved opportunities and support to our foster carers and cared for children.

Foster carers become part of a large family community of 6-10 fostering families, led by a home carer and supported by an experienced worker.

They help each other and provide support as a community with guidance alongside social activities, planned and emergency care to promote family stability, sleepovers, and training.

The first of these family communities called ‘constellations’ will be in place from this week.

Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The Mockingbird model is going to make such a difference to the lives of our children and young people and the people who look after them.

“It is a globally award-winning and pioneering programme led by The Fostering Network in the UK.

“It’s all about building supportive relationships and, by working with other foster carers and our social workers, families are able to work through problems and get the support and guidance they need. It’s just one of a number of ways we are improving the life chances of our young people.

“I’m delighted that we are able to bring this innovative model to Bury and thank everybody involved for all their hard work.”

For further information about the Mockingbird Model see Mockingbird: A really big family (youtube.com) and The Mockingbird programme | The Fostering Network

ENDS

Press release issued: 19 March 2024.