Pioneering fostering programme supports Rochdale’s cared for children and their foster carers

Children and young people in foster care in the borough of Rochdale are benefitting hugely from the Mockingbird programme, an award-winning foster care model.

Rochdale Borough Council introduced the Mockingbird programme, which in the UK is delivered by leading fostering charity The Fostering Network, last year. Since then, the model has gone from strength to strength.

The model sees several fostering households, called ‘constellations’, set up in a similar structure to that of any extended family, which is structured around the support and relationships that families provide.

They are led by a hub home foster carer who offers vital support and guidance to other carers alongside running social activities with carers and children, all with the aim of strengthening relationships and supporting stability for children in families.

They aim to operate like members of an extended family, going out together on trips, sleeping over and providing each other with support.

With this new Mockingbird programme 15 children have been supported in secure and stable families, and crucially the breakdown of relationships has been avoided, meaning more local children can grow up with the stability any child deserves.

Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Our Mockingbird foster carers are supported and because of this we see an increase in the retention of foster carers. It is really important to us that they feel supported to build a resilient and caring environment for our children and families. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer with us, please get in touch. 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. We want to talk to you.”

The Mockingbird programme is both beneficial to children and young people as well as foster carers who are supported to be able to provide the best possible care to their young people; but it is also a cost-effective, sustainable model of foster care, with more capacity to care for children.

Trish, a Mockingbird hub home carer for Rochdale Borough Council, said: “In Rochdale the Mockingbird programme has been a game changer, both for our children and our foster carers and we’re so proud of everything we’ve achieved. It’s been a lot of hard work to get us set up but it’s really worth it, we’re all seeing how well it’s supporting fostering families.”

If you’re interested in fostering with Rochdale Borough Council then contact the fostering team who can provide you with more information or answer any questions you may have:

0300 303 1000 / foster@rochdale.gov.uk / rochdale.gov.uk/fostering