New Mockingbird hub support for foster carers
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.
Discover how fostering can make a difference to a child's life and explore the support available through the Mockingbird programme by visiting the Fostering Network website.
Jayne and Tom Dockerty, who are from Scarborough and have been foster parents with ourselves 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.
Jayne 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.”
Foster carers Tom and Jayne Dockerty pictured with Sophie Turton (centre) from our fostering team.
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 Jayne 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.
Tom 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.
Fostering North Yorkshire, part of North Yorkshire Council, 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.