Gippsland foster carers will have access to greater support from a ready-made social system which mimics a traditional extended family by linking them with other foster households in the region.
Anglicare Victoria’s expansion of the Mockingbird Family Model has seen a ‘constellation’ made up of six to 10 local foster care families connected through the program, which has been proven to increase placement stability and foster carer retention when implemented elsewhere.
Vicki Levey, Gippsland Regional Director at Anglicare Victoria, said a key strength of the evidence-informed model was the support network for foster families built into the system.
“Just like you would drop the kids off for a weekend at their aunty and uncle’s place, this innovative approach to caring forms a community around both foster children and their carers. It ensures foster carers have a familiar network they can rely on to share the load and for peer support,” Ms Levey said.
“We know this model works to increase the stability and longevity of foster care placements and we’re so excited to expand the model to Gippsland, where there is already a strong sense of community among our wonderful foster carer households.”
Last year, Anglicare Victoria oversaw foster care for nearly 800 children and young people and is proud to support about 1000 carers across the state annually.
Anglicare Victoria, in partnership with Life Without Barriers, established the Mockingbird model in the Bendigo region to ‘game-changing’ success.
Respite carers Rose and Dave said they were “thrilled” to join the Gippsland Mockingbird network.
“Being a predictable and consistent support for the children and carers, knowing each child’s unique needs and talents, following similar routines to their home, knowing what foods they like to eat… it makes caring smoother for everyone,” Rose said.
“Dave and I are thrilled that we can support other carers in our network through Mockingbird and love getting to know the children as if they were our own family. They see their artwork and photos on our fridge and feel like they really matter to us. Which they do. Very much so.
“It takes a village to raise a child. That’s what the Mockingbird model is all about.”
