A NEW model of foster care has recently been launched in Bradford.

The Mockingbird family model of foster care is based around the relationships and support provided by a hub foster family who support between six and 10 fostering households, called a constellation.

The new constellation is being led by experienced foster carers, Ruth and Kevin, who provide peer support and guidance, alongside social activities and sleepovers to strengthen relationships and stability to local foster families in the Bradford district.

Within the new Mockingbird programme, children in foster care are supported in secure and stable families, and the breakdown of relationships is avoided, meaning more local children can grow up with the stability all children deserve.

Councillor Sue Duffy, portfolio holder for Children and Families said: “We are proud that Bradford is part of such an innovative fostering programme, a sustainable new way of delivering foster care here in the Bradford district. We would like to welcome our new hub carers, Ruth and Kevin, and to congratulate everyone involved in successfully delivering the programme.

“The Mockingbird project is proving extremely successful across the UK and we are excited to see the significant benefits it will bring to our foster carers and ultimately the children and young people they care for.”

Anyone interested in fostering in Bradford can join a virtual information meeting at noon on August 27 via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-this-intro-session-to-find-out-more-about-fostering-in-bradford-tickets-109163675492