Foster families unite in Norfolk to create networks of support

Foster carers in Norfolk are joining forces as part of a new Norfolk County Council scheme to ensure foster families have a network of support.

Known as the Mockingbird approach, it will create communities of around six to ten foster families called a constellation. The idea is that families work together to strengthen and nurture relationships between foster families and the children they look after, creating a supportive network and helping to give fostered children an even greater opportunity to flourish.

A constellation play date event held today at Labyrinth play centre saw foster families come together to play laser tag, enjoy soft play and refreshments, as Mockingbird was officially launched in Norfolk.

Cllr Penny Carpenter, cabinet member for Children's Services said: "Providing a special network for foster families where they can get support from fellow fosterers and our dedicated teams will help us to ensure our foster families get even more support so they can foster to the best of their abilities, and children in our care can truly flourish."

Relationships are key to the success of Mockingbird. Each community is led by a hub home carer and liaison worker. The hub home carer builds strong relationships with everyone in the constellation, nurtures relationships between participating foster families, and arranges social activities and sleepovers, which in turn strengthens relationships and empowers foster families to support each other.

Caroline Clarke, Hub Home Carer said: "Foster children often struggle to understand where they fit in. They may prefer living with their foster family but can't bear the thought of being disloyal to their family. Being part of a Mockingbird family introduces foster children to other foster children who are in the same or similar situations as them and provides a familiarity between them that becomes a common ground to build a strong, meaningful friendship upon. A foster child that feels settled can create positive outcomes for everyone. And the additional benefits of play dates, sleepovers and outings in a wider foster family environment gives foster carers the reassurance that the children are happy whilst having a chance to catch their breath too." 

The programme is proven to help to overcome potential problems before they escalate or lead to placement breakdown, and also offers supportive peer relationships for foster siblings, the sons and daughters of foster carers who play a vital role in a foster family.  

Mockingbird is delivered by The Fostering Network in the UK in partnership with local authority fostering services across the UK. This initial launch is being extended to Norfolk Fostering Service via Foster East, the 11-council fostering recruitment and retention collaboration scheme.