A new support network for foster families has been launched in the Liskeard area. It brings together seven foster families and 16 children in care.
The group forms Cornwall’s fourth Mockingbird constellation. This model is designed to give foster carers and children a stronger sense of community and support.
The official launch took place recently in Liskeard, with families coming together for a day of activities aimed at helping them get to know one another. Children enjoyed a bouncy castle, visits to a nearby park and craft activities. They also decorated their own cups in Mockingbird colours, which will be kept at the hub home for future visits.
The Mockingbird model operates internationally. It brings a group of foster families together around a central hub home. Hub carers provide practical and emotional support to the other families, known as satellite carers, helping create a network similar to an extended family.
The model also provides opportunities for planned sleepovers, giving children continuity of care while allowing foster carers to receive a break when needed.
The new Liskeard-area constellation comes at a time when demand for foster placements remains high. Cornwall Council says there can be up to 40 children or young people in Cornwall needing a place to call home at any one time, while foster care applications are falling in many areas.
The council says improving training, support and practical assistance for foster carers is helping attract more people to the role.
Tania and Rich, who have become the hub home carers for Cornwall’s fourth constellation, said they were proud to take on the responsibility.
“Our focus will be on nurturing peer support, delivering planned sleepovers to ensure continuity of care, and creating meaningful community links for both carers and children,” they said.
They added that they were looking forward to working with the satellite carers to create a “warm and reliable network of support” and celebrate the achievements of the young people involved.
Councillor Hilary Frank, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools, said the fourth constellation was another important step for fostering families across the county.
“Fostering can be incredibly rewarding, but there can also be difficult days,” she said. “That’s
New Support Network Launched for Foster Families in Liskeard Area