We'd love to hear from you.
If you would like further information, with no-obligation, fill in this form and one of our fostering team will get in touch with you.
We are committed to listening and responding to the needs of our carers, and offer a comprehensive training programme, and support offer to help you on you journey to fostering.
From the point of enquiring, Foster with West London offer a range of support to help you to take the first step towards fostering including the chance to buddy with one of our experienced foster carer advisors who will offer peer-to-peer support throughout your journey to help answer any questions and understand the practical demands of a fostering.
Our partners also work together to jointly deliver 'Skills to Foster' preparation training to give you an understanding of fostering and prepare you for your role as a professional foster carer. From the point of application, you will also receive help and advice from the Local Authority you wish to foster for.
Your support team will include the Foster with West London team, a social worker and representatives from your fostering local authority. You will also become part of the west London fostering community and be able to access events, activities and support groups organised by your fostering local authority.
The Mockingbird Family Model
Mockingbird was launched in 2024, led by The Fostering Network and supported using funding from the Department for Education.
Mockingbird is a unique and innovative approach to foster care that creates a supportive network for fostering families.
Here's how it works:
Structure
The model is built around a "constellation" of six to ten fostering families, with a central "hub home" at the core. The hub home is managed by an experienced foster carer who provides guidance, support, and resources to the satellite fostering families.
Support
The hub home offers various forms of support, including regular social activities, sleepovers, short breaks, and peer support. This helps foster carers feel less isolated and more connected, creating a sense of community.
Benefits
The Mockingbird model aims to improve placement stability for children, strengthen relationships between carers and children, and provide a positive fostering experience. It also prioritises sibling connections and promotes active child protection.
Overall, the Mockingbird scheme is designed to ensure that foster carers and children have a strong support system, making the fostering journey smoother and more rewarding for everyone involved.
