The Mockingbird Family™ Model: Building a Community Around Foster Families
Foster parenting was never meant to be done alone. The Mockingbird Family™ model was created to provide foster, kinship, and adoptive families with the kind of extended support network that many families naturally rely on. Developed by The Mockingbird Society in Washington State, the program recognizes that caregivers thrive when they have trusted people to turn to for guidance, respite, and encouragement.
At the heart of the model is the idea of a Constellation—a group of approximately six to ten foster, kinship, or adoptive families connected to an experienced Hub Home. The Hub Home is led by a licensed, experienced caregiver who provides mentoring, coordinates activities, offers planned and emergency respite care, and helps families navigate the challenges of foster care. Rather than feeling isolated, caregivers become part of a supportive community that understands the unique joys and challenges of caring for children who have experienced trauma.
The benefits of the Mockingbird Family model extend beyond caregivers. Children and youth gain stable relationships, opportunities to build friendships with peers who understand foster care, and greater consistency in their daily lives. The model also helps preserve sibling relationships, reduces placement disruptions, and promotes a stronger sense of belonging for everyone involved. Research has shown that the model contributes to improved caregiver satisfaction, increased foster parent retention, and greater placement stability for children.
Today, the Mockingbird Family model has expanded beyond Washington and has been implemented in communities across the United States and internationally. While each program may look slightly different depending on local needs, the core philosophy remains the same: children and caregivers achieve better outcomes when they are surrounded by a caring, connected community rather than trying to navigate foster care alone.
Whether you are a prospective foster parent, a current caregiver, or a child welfare professional, learning about the Mockingbird Family model can provide valuable insight into how community-based support strengthens families and improves outcomes for children in care.
Interested in learning more? Download the official Mockingbird Family™ Brochure or the Mockingbird Family™ Program Overview Sheet to explore how the model works, the role of Hub Homes, and the many ways this innovative approach supports foster, kinship, and adoptive families. Visit the Mockingbird Family™ homepage and learn more.
