Dorset Council has come up with a new approach to fostering – the Mockingbird programme – which delivers sustainable foster care by replicating an extended family.

The formation of the first extended family group, or constellation, was celebrated at a special event with everyone in the constellation as well as those who have been supporting them during their formation.

Freya Burley, Mockingbird implementation manager at The Fostering Network said: “We’re really delighted to celebrate the launch of Mockingbird in Dorset. The model has had a big impact for fostering families around the UK, and globally.

“It works by setting up a group of six to ten fostering families, known as a constellation, who provide support to each other in a similar way to an extended family.”

Helena and Graham Sellers are the home hub carers for the first constellation. Helena said: “Being part of a constellation has enabled us to develop stronger bonds with the children and the families they live with. Although this constellation only formed a couple of months ago, we’ve already enjoyed taking part in activities together. We’ve been to the pantomime and been bowling so it’s great to see all the children enjoying themselves together but it’s also good to see the adults sharing stories with each other.

“We’re part of a huge fun-loving family which thrives on mutual respect and we wouldn’t change any of it.”

Dorset Council is keen to recruit more foster carers. It hopes that the support foster carers get from being part of the Mockingbird programme will encourage more people to consider finding out about fostering.

Cllr Andrew Parry, portfolio holder for children, education, skills and early help, said: “I’m genuinely thrilled that Mockingbird has done so well in such a short space of time. We’re setting up our second and third constellations already, even though it’s still early days for our first constellation, which is incredibly exciting.

“We’ve heard some terrific stories about the difference that is being made to young people in the families and friendships and support networks that are being formed.

“Fostering is a really rewarding thing to do, you can make such a difference to a young person’s life by taking them into your home and giving them a loving family life.

“The Mockingbird programme gives such great support to foster carers and their families that I hope it encourages more people to think about considering whether they could foster with Dorset Council.”