A ‘PIONEERING’ new foster care programme has been launched in Reading, aimed at creating a sense of community in children.
The programme was officially launched at an event in Reading which celebrated community, connection and commitment to improving the lives of children and young people in foster care.
Dedicated foster carers were joined by Lara Patel, Executive Director of Children’s Services in Reading; Cllr Wendy Griffith, Lead Councillor for Children at Reading Borough Council; as well as the hub leader, the fostering registered manager, and assistant team manager, several social workers, and a representative from The Fostering Network.
Families from our newly formed constellation, who will be at the heart of this innovative model, were also there.
The Mockingbird Programme is an evidence-based model structured around the support and relationships an extended family provides.
The model nurtures the relationships between children, young people, and foster families by supporting them to build a resilient and caring community of six to ten satellite families called a ‘constellation’.
It sees collaboration between local authorities, fostering services, children’s services trusts and other fostering providers.
Lara Patel said: “We are so proud to officially launch this exciting programme and begin a new chapter in our fostering journey.
“The launch event was a celebration of collaboration and shared values, and we look forward to seeing what positive impact Mockingbird can have on our families and the children they care for.”
Cllr Wendy Griffith said: “The Mockingbird Programme represents a significant step forward in Reading’s mission to provide stable, nurturing and resilient networks for our foster families.
“By strengthening relationships and reducing isolation, the model will help more foster carers feel supported and, as a result, children will experience greater stability and belonging.”
More information about The Fostering Network and the Mockingbird Programme is availavle via: thefosteringnetwork.org.uk
More information about fostering in Reading is available via: readingfostering.co.uk
