Following our introduction to the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™, this article takes a closer look at how the model actually works. It’s a different way of thinking about foster care one that supports both carers and children through the strength of community.
The MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model is not just about providing care it’s about building strong, lasting relationships that make life more stable and connected for everyone involved.
How the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model works
At the core of the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model is the idea of a Constellation. Each Constellation includes six to ten foster and kinship care households, which are linked to a central support home known as the Hub Home.
The Hub Home Carer experienced and specially trained to act as a constant source of practical and emotional support for the rest of the group. This person offers advice, provides respite care, and plays a key role in keeping the Constellation connected by coordinating regular activities
Some of the regular activities that make up a Constellation include:
- Monthly gatherings that build relationships between carers, children, and young people
- One-on-one support from the Hub Home carer, including check-ins and mentoring
- Planned respite care that is familiar and trusted by the children
- Crisis support during challenging times to help prevent placement breakdowns
- Celebrations and events that create a sense of belonging and shared identity
A trusted support network
What makes the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model different is its emphasis on regular, familiar connection. It removes the sense of isolation that can come with foster care by building a team around each carer and child.
If a young person is having a difficult time, the Hub Home carer or another trusted adult from the Constellation may be able to step in temporarily; offering a known, safe place rather than introducing an unfamiliar placement. This flexibility is key to creating continuity and trust.
For foster carers, having a Hub Home to turn to can make all the difference. Whether it’s for advice, short-term care relief, or just someone to listen, this built-in support helps carers feel valued, prepared and capable of continuing their vital work.
Benefits for children and young people
Children and young people in care benefit enormously from the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model. Instead of being part of one household with limited connections, they become part of a wider family network, building a micro-community.
This brings:
- Stronger, stable relationships with multiple safe adults
- Opportunities to develop peer friendships with other children and young people with similar experiences
- A sense of identity and belonging in a close-knit group
- Fewer placement disruptions, thanks to shared care and early support
- Greater emotional safety, built on familiarity and consistency
Even a carer’s own children often see the benefits of the models as they encourage them to engage with other carer families and help build relationships with others who share the same lived experience of growing up in a foster caring home.
Many children who have experienced trauma or instability find comfort in knowing they are surrounded by people who care and who aren’t going anywhere. These positive, reliable relationships help build resilience, confidence and wellbeing.
Benefits for foster carers
Being a foster carer is both meaningful and demanding. Without the right support, it can become overwhelming. The MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model is designed to address this by offering real, ongoing assistance in a way that feels natural and personal.
Carers in a Constellation can expect:
- Regular contact with other carers who understand their experience
- Easy access to advice, training and resources
- Planned, relationship-based respite that reduces stress
- A sense of shared responsibility and encouragement
- Greater confidence and carer satifaction
This structure also means that new carers are better supported as they begin their journey. They are connected with experienced carers from day one and feel part of a team that shares the same goals and values.
A model that builds belonging
The MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model reimagines foster care by placing relationships at the centre. It supports children, young people and carers through consistent, structured connection. It’s not a replacement for existing foster care it’s a way of enhancing it with the warmth, strength and stability of community.
“The implementation of Mockingbird has been helpful. I was sitting on the fence about joining as I didn’t initially understand it fully, however, now it is really good. The home hub provider is extremely eager to support carers and build relationships with the children involved in Mockingbird. The hub home recently reached out to me asking if the children had any events or activities that I could attend to show my support to the children,” commented one of our Bendigo Mockingbird carers.
At Anglicare Victoria, we’re proud to be delivering this model in partnership with our foster carers, and we continue to see the positive impact it brings. More stable placements, stronger relationships, and better outcomes for children that’s the heart of the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model.
If you’re interested in becoming part of a Constellation, or want to learn more about foster care through Anglicare Victoria, we encourage you to reach out and contact us on 1800 809 722. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected future for children and families.
