A couple who have transformed the lives of children and young people through fostering are now taking on a leading role in supporting other families as they prepare to run North Yorkshire's fifth Mockingbird hub.
Jayne and Tom Dockerty, who are from Scarborough and have been foster parents with us for more than five years, say “fostering has been one of the most rewarding experiences" of their lives and are encouraging others to consider opening their homes and hearts to children in care.
The couple will run the new hub in Scarborough, which officially becomes the fifth Mockingbird hub in the county and the third in the town, providing support and guidance to local foster families.
Mrs Dockerty said: “The Mockingbird hub offers that extended family feeling. Children are able to build relationships with familiar families through activities, outings, sleepovers and social events. It creates a sense of belonging and helps young people find their voice and build confidence.
“We are true believers in a buddy system for people who are new to fostering or thinking about becoming foster carers. It can feel daunting at first, and having someone to talk to, a shoulder to lean on, or a reassuring phone call can make a huge difference.”
Over the years, the couple have celebrated many special moments, from seeing a child's first smile to helping young people take their next steps into adulthood.
Among their proudest achievements was supporting a baby to safely return home to their parents and grandparents. The relationship became so close that Mrs Dockerty was later asked to become the child's godmother.
They have also helped a teenager successfully transition to semi-independent living and supported a young boy on his journey to adoption.
Mr Dockerty added: “We love making a difference in children’s lives, But the truth is that they make such a rewarding and loving difference in ours.”
The Mockingbird Family Model which originated in America and has been embraced in North Yorkshire involves a centralised “hub” providing support to other foster carers.
Our Fostering North Yorkshire service joined the Fostering Network’s The Mockingbird Family Model Programme, along with 22 other fostering services around the country in 2019, empowering families to support each other.
The hubs are aimed at providing support and improving stability of fostering homes and strengthening the relationships between carers, children and young people, fostering services and birth families.
The new Scarborough hub is the latest expansion of the programme, building on the success of the existing Mockingbird hubs in the seaside town as well as Thirsk and Selby.
Mr and Mrs Dockerty began fostering during the Covid-19 pandemic and have since looked after six children and young people ranging from a two-day-old baby to a 16-year-old teenager. Alongside long-term fostering, they have also provided short-term care, sleepover support and daycare for numerous children and families.
Our executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, said: “Dedicated foster parents like Jayne and Tom play a vital role in transforming the lives of children and young people in our care.
“Their dedication, compassion and commitment over the past five years have helped provide stability, encouragement and opportunities for children at some of the most challenging times in their lives.”
The couple are now highlighting the growing need for sleepover and respite carers for teenagers and their foster families.
Mrs Dockerty said: “There is a real shortage of sleepover opportunities for teenagers and their carers. These short breaks can provide valuable support for everyone involved. It's a chance to offer reassurance, share advice and remind teenagers and carers that they're not alone.”
Find out how to start your fostering journey with us or get more details about the Mockingbird programme.