We are Ciara and Ben and we are the home hub carers for one of the Mockingbird constellations in South Devon.

We originally joined the constellation as a satellite family but took over the hub role in June 2025.

We loved being part of Mockingbird and we were keen to continue the success our constellation has enjoyed. The best thing about Mockingbird is seeing our young people form friendships, gain confidence and have experiences as part of a group.

For the adults it helps to be part of a group of carers who know our children and celebrate with us in their successes. We have seen with the children we foster directly the benefits of being part of Mockingbird. Whether it’s baking cakes together, spending the day at the beach or going on an adventure with canoes the reward that comes from seeing us and the children thrive is priceless. 

What is the impact of Mockingbird for Fostering Devon?

The aim of the Mockingbird Family Model are to improve placement stability for children who are looked after, prioritise sibling connections, promote active child protection, support permanence and improve the support provided to foster carers. Mockingbird in Devon embodies a nurturing, inclusive constellation of fostering families that reflects the warmth, trust, and connection of an extended family.

Take a look at some of Ben and Ciara’s Mockingbird Moments:

The model is evidence-based, has been formally evaluated and shows improved outcomes for children, young people and foster carers. We build stable, sustainable communities where children and young people experience belonging, safety, and the support of multiple trusted adults.as well as:

• Providing stable, immediate support (e.g., emergency care). 
• Ensuring carers feel valued and supported. 
• Children are able to move comfortably between adults in the hub — similar to extended family. 
• Helping normalise childhood experiences and reducing feelings of isolation. 

Mockingbird supports whole fostering families, not just care experienced children and young people.

Through Ben and Ciara’s constellation children are able to build trust and feel safe with multiple adults who are part of their mockingbird network. Creating strong peer relationships with other children and young people has helped remove stigma for children in care. Additionally, birth children also benefit and form their own support networks. 

You can find out more about the Mockingbird programme on the Fostering Network website.