Liverpool City Council has launched an innovative fostering support model inspired by the concept of extended family. This new initiative, part of the award-winning Mockingbird programme, brings together foster families in a way that feels like one big family, creating a more supportive and stable environment for children and young people in care.
Liverpool’s first group of 10 foster families are set to participate in this new support model which groups several foster families in the same area to form a close-knit support network, similar to a large extended family.
At the heart of each network is a “hub carer,” a dedicated foster carer who acts like a central figure, similar to a trusted aunt, or uncle. The hub carer supports the other foster families, offering guidance, help and a place for the children to spend time together.
Foster children benefit from this structure, feeling like they are part of a bigger family, with other foster children acting like brothers and sisters. The idea is to build stronger, long-lasting connections that provide stability and security for the children.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve foster care in the UK, led by The Fostering Network, with funding from the Department for Education (DFE) and regional support from Foster 4.
Cllr Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce the Mockingbird programme here in Liverpool. This is about bringing foster families closer together. Through social events, shared training and gatherings, we’re helping foster families form strong bonds where children can feel the warmth of a bigger family and a true sense of belonging.
“It’s also about making sure our foster carers have the community they deserve, where they can share advice, access training and lean on each other. This kind of support is crucial, and it can make all the difference in the well-being of both our carers and the children they look after. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time, please get in touch and be part of this exciting community.”
Foster carers Shirley and Dave are Liverpool’s first ‘hub home’ carers. Shirley said: “I’m thrilled to be a hub carer in the Mockingbird model. It takes a village to raise a child, and this is our chance to build that village, offering support, love, and stability to children and foster families alike.”
Dave added: “It’s about being there for the whole network. I’m looking forward to bringing people together, helping families feel supported, and giving kids the chance to thrive in a real community.”
When you foster with Liverpool you are supported every step of the way with a dedicated fostering social worker, extensive training, allowances and foster carer payments, Council Tax exemption and much more!
Find out more about fostering with Liverpool City Council by visiting www.fostering.liverpool.gov.uk or call our friendly Foster 4 team on 03456460098.
