The east London council celebrated the launch of its latest Mockingbird Constellation with a celebratory event attended by children, carers and fostering officers. 

First launched in Barking & Dagenham in 2017, Mockingbird Fostering sees a group of carers form a ‘constellation’ which works in much the same way as an extended family. With one key carer providing respite and support to the other carers, it gives all a wider group of support, and means carers are able to get some respite.

The children in the constellation can socialise with others in care, forming their own bonds and networks for both now and later in life. 

The newest constellation in Barking and Dagenham is called ‘Ohana’, the Hawaiian word for family. It will comprise of seven households with 13 carers and will support 10-15 children. It joins the seven existing constellations in Barking and Dagenham, made up of 60 carers and currently supporting many children.

With eight constellations, Barking and Dagenham now has the most out of any London borough. 

Cllr Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care and Disabilities, said: “This scheme has already helped countless looked after children and means that our carers get the breaks and support they richly deserve. 

By adding another constellation, we’re now able to bring more children into this innovative, extended family model meaning they recieve the care and support they need.” 

A 2024 national report on the impact of the Mockingbird Programme, by The Fostering Network, highlighted how the scheme leads to greater foster carer retention, improves children’s happiness, and leads to greater stability and better outcomes for our children in care. 

Residents interested in fostering with Barking and Dagenham council are encouraged to get in touch by calling 020 8227 5988 or visiting the website.