Mockingbird
Mockingbird is focused on building a support network around foster carers and their families, it works as a system to make foster families work similar to a simple family tree.
In one group of foster families, referred to as a “constellation”:
There is one hub carer family, this family will act like the grandparents, with years of experience in caring for children. They’re able to oversee, give advice when needed.
There are usually 6-10 foster families in one constellation. These families can be new to fostering or have years of experience as well.
Finally, and most importantly, there’s you and the other foster children in your constellation. Mockingbird aims to make it feel like these foster children are part of your extended family.
Each constellation will also have one ‘Mockingbird liaison worker’ to support the hub home carer.
Each constellation has about 6-18 looked after young people. Every constellation member should be diverse in terms of age, experience, strengths and needs to ensure you and the other foster children can be fully supported by everyone in your constellation.
Other ways to build caring relationships and your community.
Independent Visiting
If you have little or no contact with your family and would like an adult friend outside of the care system, that’s where Independent Visiting comes in.
Lifelong Links
Lifelong Links helps you reconnect with your family and people who have previously been important to you, such as neighbours, teachers, former social workers, foster carers and youth workers.
Space
We are a youth work charity supporting you to learn, create and realise your potential. Join one of our 10 youth centres in Devon to hang out with mates, talk about things you can’t ask your parents, gain confidence and try new things.
Stand Up Speak Up
If you are in care or leaving care, Stand Up Speak Up (SUSU) is Devon’s group for care-experienced young people.