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Foster Care Fortnight

Discover the 'power of relationships' in Portsmouth

Learn how Portsmouth is pioneering the innovative mockingbird model

Children's social care at Portsmouth City Council is celebrating Foster Care Fortnight 2025 and the social care practitioners who support families using the innovative mockingbird model.

Launched in 2021, Portsmouth has pioneered its use. The model sees up to 10 households create their own support networks, through a dedicated foster carer at a 'hub home.'

This approach has led to stronger, more resilient foster families, who are not just supported by professionals, but their own communities who share their own lived experiences.

Discover the professionals who support foster families using this programme, as they share their successes and learnings.

Top questions

  • Why did we choose mockingbird over other models?

    Mockingbird was first introduced to the UK by The Fostering Network as it is built on the concept of extended family relationships. It has also been shown to improve outcomes for children and young people. It was clear the model would be welcomed by its community. The model has been referenced in the government's national care review of children as a success story.

  • What challenges does the mockingbird programme address?

    While support for foster families has always been available in Portsmouth, it was determined that a new model would provide improved outcomes. We know stronger relationships lead to meaningful and long-lasting change. The mockingbird model seeks to address that need by empowering foster carers to work together to create support networks. As a result of mockingbird, feedback has shown that children feel well cared for and enjoy better friendships. The relationships formed as part of mockingbird lead to placement stability for children and young people.

  • What has been the main successes from the programme?

    Foster carers are keen to join the programme as they see the benefits of peer-to-peer support. We have developed several constellations in the past three years and are recognised by the Fostering Network for the work we have achieved. The real success story is the meaningful and tangible relationships which are formed within each constellation with specially trained hub leads who can support families through challenging times.

Mockingbird Constellation Graphic

How does the mockingbird model work?

This innovative programme starts with the creation of a 'constellation' of up to 10 satellite fostering households, offering the relations and support similar to that of an extended family.

At the heart of each ‘constellation’ is a ‘hub home’ where a specifically recruited and trained hub home foster carer offers vital peer support and guidance to all the carers within the constellation, in addition to respite care in the form of sleepovers and social activities, all of which strengthen relationships and permanence.

Meet the Mockingbird team
The 'team around the child' oversees each constellation, supporting home hub carers and foster families.

Jenny and Hope work as part of the fostering service at Portsmouth City Council and oversee each mockingbird constellation, supporting home hub carers and the foster families within these constellations.

As mockingbird liaison workers, they arrange reflective sessions, organise training and support the needs of everyone within the constellations.

Jenny said: "Foster families tell us that they have joined Portsmouth fostering specifically to become part of a Mockingbird constellation, they value the support this provides, and the stability it gives for the children they care for".

'When the whole system works, the support is there when someone experiences a wobble. Constellations are helping foster families stay together as they feel comfort knowing that someone is there to support them.

"Throughout the year, there is a range of special events and activities that foster families attend which further reinforces those relationships. This helps us keep children in Portsmouth.

Hope said: "Our role is multi-faceted; we can advocate for foster families within each constellation and arrange specific training for that constellation or individual carer.

"From a child's perspective, mockingbird encourages friendships within and between constellations. Siblings living within mockingbird constellations develop their relationships through the many activities and events that take place. These interactions create connections and lifelong links.

"One foster carer recently told me they have made more friends since joining a mockingbird constellation. They told me that they were struggling with a little person on reins. After going out with the home hub carer, receiving advice and guidance, she has built up the confidence to allow the child off the reins. This shows how impactful mockingbird can be for foster families."

Join the team who are #ProudToBePortsmouth
If you are looking at your next steps, join Portsmouth City Council in children's social care.

Five reasons to join us

  • Earn up to £3000 in specific roles over 12 monthly instalments
  • Receive up to £8000 in relocation support
  • New health and wellbeing package that supports you
  • New career progression pathways to advanced practitioner
  • Ability to buy additional annual leave

Foster carers

Details

Full or part time
Competitive allowances, skills fees and tax benefits

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can truly make a difference? Join us as a foster carer and help transform the lives of children and young people in Portsmouth!

At Portsmouth City Council, we are seeking compassionate, committed individuals to become foster carers. We offer a unique opportunity to work flexibly from home, while being self-employed, supported, and well-compensated for your dedication.

Why become a foster carer?

  • Competitive allowances, skills fees and tax benefits — a rewarding role that values your commitment
  • Be your own boss while making a real impact on the lives of children who need safe, loving homes
  • Access to comprehensive training and continuous support from our experienced team
  • Join a team that uses a strength-based, restorative practice model to create positive, lasting change in children's lives
  • Work for an Ofsted rated “Good” local authority

Who we're looking for:

  • People with a big heart who can provide stability and care to children from diverse backgrounds
  • Resilient and empathetic individuals willing to champion children’s needs
  • Those with time, space, and the commitment to make a difference
  • Childcare experience is beneficial, but not essential
  • People who are able to care for a child in their home and whom have a spare bedroom

Benefits:

  • Tax-free allowances - fostering allowances do not usually impact any benefits you receive or tax you pay
  • Competitive skills fees
  • Access to local support groups and networks
  • Ongoing training and development opportunities
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated fostering team
  • Wrap around professional support, include therapeutic support for child and carers
  • A wide range of discounts and benefits in and around Portsmouth
  • Free leisure card
  • Potential to become part of our nationally recognised Mockingbird Programme

Successful candidates will join a community of caring and like-minded people. You will receive comprehensive, ongoing training and professional development, a mentor to work alongside you and a specialist social worker to support and guide you. Fostering is a team activity, so you will never be alone.

Ready to change lives? Visit Foster Portsmouth to learn more or call us today to start your journey!!

Find out more

More innovations

Mockingbird Constellation Graphic

The 'going home' project

The mockingbird model is just one example of how Portsmouth innovates, to ensure families have the support they need to thrive.

The 'going home' project is another innovation that sees us bringing families together sooner, when the time is right. The project embeds adult safeguarding officers within the family support and safeguarding team.

Find out more

About Foster Care Fortnight

Mockingbird Constellation Graphic

Foster Care Fortnight is The Fostering Network's annual campaign to raise the profile of fostering and show how foster care transforms lives.

Foster Care Fortnight 2025 takes place from 12 - 25 May. This year's theme is the power of relationships, because at the heart of every fostering journey are the connections that make all the difference.

Find out more