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An innovative fostering model is proving so successful it has been expanded again in South Tyneside.

This week saw the launch of the fourth 'constellation' of the Mockingbird model, which is delivered by leading fostering charity The Fostering Network and is based on the concept of the extended family.

First pioneered in America, the Mockingbird model has been shown to be effective in helping foster carers overcome challenges and in improving the lives of foster children by building positive links with other families in the constellation. It also improves the stability of placements with fewer children having to move on to new homes.

The constellations are led by a hub home foster carer who offers vital peer support and guidance to 'satellite carers' alongside social activities to strengthen relationships and permanence.

The hub carers in the fourth constellation are South Shields couple Sonia and Dan Lessimore.

The couple started fostering in April 2020 and have fostered five children since then. They were 'satellite carers' in South Tyneside's first Mockingbird constellation.

Sonia, 44, said: "The Mockingbird model brings many advantages to both children and the foster carers.  As satellite carers in the first constellation we saw how children grew in confidence and developed lovely relationships with everyone involved and they really became part of an extended family. 

"We hope to be able to bring the same support that we received to carers and children in this constellation, We really want to create the extended family feel and hope that the children and young people enjoy spending time with us and the activities we plan.  We want our home to feel like their second home, just as children do when they visit an aunty or uncle's house."

The Mockingbird model was highlighted as a strength in the latest Ofsted review of Children's Services.

Councillor Adam Ellison, Lead Member for Children's and Families' Social Care, said: "The Mockingbird model has proven to be very effective in South Tyneside by empowering foster families to support one another in a meaningful way.

"While fostering brings huge rewards, it is not without its challenges. Mockingbird has played a pivotal role in reducing placement breakdown and helping both children and carers enjoy happier and more stable fostering journeys."

Â鶹ÊÓƵ recently increased its fees for foster carers and believes it is now one of the highest paying local authorities in the North East. Foster carers are rewarded according to their skills, receiving a payment of between £250 and £450 a week. In addition, a weekly child allowance of between £159 and £233 per week is also given, depending on the age of the child.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ is always keen to hear from people interested in fostering. To find out more about fostering, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/fostering or contact the fostering service on 0191 423 8500 or email fostering@southtyneside.gov.uk