The need for safe, stable, and nurturing foster care is as urgent today as it has ever been. Across Victoria, many children and young people rely on carers to offer consistency and compassion in times of uncertainty. The MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model is showing that when we reimagine care as a shared, connected experience, outcomes improve and lives change for the better.
The answer to what makes the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model so successful lies not only in the stories of those involved, but in the growing body of research backing this innovative model.
A model grounded in evidence
Originally developed by The Mockingbird Society in the United States, the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model has now been adopted internationally, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The model has been evaluated a number of times, showing strong and consistent results. These include:
- Children and young people experience fewer moves and disruptions in their care, and there is a reduction in the need for emergency and crisis placements.
- Children and young people report improved wellbeing, stronger social networks, having people they trust, and feel part of a community.
- Siblings stay connected, and are more satisfied with the time they spend together.
- There is a reduction in challenging behaviour from children and young people.
- Foster carers keep fostering for longer, feel more supported and have higher levels of confidence in their role.
These outcomes are no coincidence. They reflect a care model that actively builds relationships, reduces isolation, and provides real-time support to everyone involved.
Positive outcomes for children and young people
At the heart of this model’s success are the children and young people it supports. Unlike traditional models that may focus on crisis response, the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model is built to prevent breakdowns before they happen. This creates a more stable environment that fosters long-term growth and healing.
Children benefit from:
- Consistent, trusted relationships across households
- A familiar support network during times of stress or transition
- A greater sense of belonging and identity within their Constellation
- Opportunities to build peer friendships and participate in community events
- Emotional stability thanks to fewer disruptions and more predictable care
For children and young people who may have experienced trauma, this continuity and connection can be transformative. Many develop greater trust, improved emotional regulation, and stronger engagement at school and in the community.
Carers who feel supported and stay
The success of any foster care model depends on the people delivering it. For carers, the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model offers a structure of support that is meaningful, practical and consistent.
Hub Home carers provide mentorship, respite and guidance to other families within the Constellation. This support is not theoretical it’s built on strong, real-world relationships that allow carers to feel safe asking for help, sharing concerns, and learning from one another.
This model helps:
- Prevent burnout by offering trusted respite from known carers
- Boost carer confidence through mentoring and peer connection
- Improve communication between carers and professionals
- Reduce feelings of isolation that can lead to withdrawal from fostering
Stories that speak for themselves
While research and evaluation are essential, the real success of the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model comes to life in the stories of those who live it.
Carers often describe a renewed sense of purpose and community. Children speak about finally feeling like part of a family. And support workers find that the model encourages stronger collaboration and early intervention.
“I sort of think about myself sometimes as a mother hen scooping all these little chicks under our wings. It’s a beautiful feeling.” – Rose, Mockingbird Family foster care
A model that grows with communities
Another strength of the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model is its flexibility. While the core principles remain consistent, the structure can be adapted to meet the needs of different regions, cultures and communities.
This makes the model particularly effective in regions where carers and children come from a wide range of backgrounds. It allows for culturally safe practice, responsive support, and genuine inclusion all while maintaining a strong and proven foundation.
Success that builds on itself
As more Constellations are established across Victoria, the benefits of the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Model continue to grow. Each new group brings new learning, new connections, and new examples of what’s possible when care is built around community.
Anglicare Victoria is proud to be delivering this model and to be part of a growing movement toward stronger, more connected care. Every success story is a reminder that children thrive when carers are supported and that meaningful change happens when we work together.
