Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee notes the implementation of constellation one and two and that number three is set for Autumn 2021; and

(b)       That the effectiveness of the model in terms of a social and cost benefit analysis be noted.

The Senior Manager – Children and Workforce introduced a report to provide an overview of the implementation of Mockingbird.  He commented on the Council’s ambition to support looked after children locally and provide an effective fostering service for children and foster carers.  He provided background information and invited Steph Martin, Mockingbird Liaison Officer, to provide an update on the Mockingbird Fostering Project.

The Liaison Officer advised that in January 2021 the Council launched its first Mockingbird constellation in Flintshire (the name given to each group comprising between 6-10 fostering families supported by one experienced foster carer or Hub carer).  She reported on the positive progress made and said children within the groups were developing good relationships and accessing community programmes.  A second constellation was launched in February 2021 which has 5 satellite families, 8 looked after children, 10 birth children and 2 children in ‘When I’m ready’. She commented on how the service was being expanded through the encouragement and support provided by experienced foster carers to new foster carers  The Council’s ambition was for a further Mockingbird constellation in 2021 along with an intensive campaign to recruit more general foster carers.   

The Liaison Officer commented on the impact that the COVID 19 pandemic had on the Mockingbird project and the fostering community but said it had remained on track for progression and implementation.  Referring to the Welsh Government’s loan to establish innovative social programmes she advised that following consultation the WG had agreed to extend the loan repayment   period due to ongoing COVID restrictions.  The Liaison Officer also explained that as part of the loan arrangement it had been agreed to delay the external evaluation phase of Mockingbird in Flintshire by 12 months to enable the evaluation to cover a period when the project was fully operational.

Members commented on the high standard of the report and spoke in support of the Project and congratulated officers on their work.

In response to a comment from the Chair the Liaison Officer explained the planning and activities to maintain relationships for sibling groups within constellations.

Councillor Carol Ellis asked if some scenarios could be provided in the future to demonstrate how the Mockingbird programme was improving the foster care service. 

The recommendations in the report were moved by Councillor Paul Cunningham and seconded by Councillor Gladys Healey.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee notes the implementation of constellation one and two and that number three is set for Autumn 2021; and

(b)       That the effectiveness of the model in terms of a social and cost benefit analysis be noted.