'Dedicated' Scarborough couple share rewards of fostering as they set up Mockingbird hub
A couple who have fostered for more than five years are now taking a leading role in supporting other families to foster, as they prepare to run North Yorkshire's fifth Mockingbird hub, in Scarborough.
Jayne and Tom Dockerty, foster parents with North Yorkshire Council, say fostering has been ‘one of the most rewarding experiences’ of their lives and encourage others to consider opening their home to children in care.
To support and provide guidance to local fostering families, the couple will run the new Scarborough Mockingbird hub, which officially becomes the fifth in the county and the third in the town.
Mrs Dockerty said: “The Mockingbird hub offers that extended family feeling.
"Children are able to build relationships with familiar families through activities, outings, sleepovers and social events.
"It creates a sense of belonging.
“We are true believers in a buddy system for people who are new to fostering or thinking about becoming foster carers.
"It can feel daunting at first, and having someone to talk to, a shoulder to lean on, or a reassuring phone call can make a huge difference.”
The Mockingbird Family Model involves a centralised “hub” providing support and empowering families to support each other.
Fostering North Yorkshire joined the Fostering Network programme in 2019, along with 22 other services around the country.
The hubs aim to improve stability of fostering homes and strengthen the relationships between carers, children and young people, fostering services and birth families.
The new hub is the latest expansion of the programme, building on the success of existing hubs in the town, Thirsk and Selby.
Mr and Mrs Dockerty began fostering during the Covid-19 pandemic and have since looked after six children, ranging from a two-day-old baby to a 16-year-old.
Alongside long-term fostering, they have also provided short-term care, sleepover support and daycare for numerous children and families.
Among their proudest achievements was supporting a baby to safely return home to their family.
They have also helped a teenager successfully transition to semi-independent living and supported a young boy on his journey to adoption.
Mr Dockerty said: “We love making a difference in children’s lives, but the truth is that they make such a rewarding and loving difference in ours.”
Visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/fostering-north-yorkshire for more information about fostering with North Yorkshire Council.