Mockingbird hub celebrates anniversary with foster families

A foster carer has praised the invaluable help provided by a series of nurturing networks which have celebrated 10 years of supporting families in Leeds.

- by Harriet Sutton

The mockingbird hub of fostering was first set up in Leeds in 2015 and involves linking foster families with an experienced foster carerknown as the ‘hub home carer’~who provides guidance and support for adults and children as they navigate their new lives together.

The model originated in Seattle, USA and Leeds City Council was one of the early pioneers, now having the largest and most established network in the UK.

Michelle Raw, 53, of Whinmoor, has been a hub home carer for the past six years, having fostered children with husband Mark, 49, for 21 years.

She supports eight families - most of whom are ‘kinship carers,’ where relatives or close friends step in to care for children who are unable to remain living with their parents.