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MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™

MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ is an innovative, alternative approach to foster care that creates micro-communities designed to support, develop, and retain foster families. An experienced foster care provider (“Hub Home”) at the center of these micro-communities ("Constellations") provides support to families, children and youth in 6-10 foster families-- emulating the structure of an extended family, and creating community connections for foster youth and young people.

The design creates a long-term, structural change in the way foster care is delivered, and provides a framework and opportunity for communities to come together in support of its young people. Foster families are valued and retained, youth thrive and communities strengthen their support around children and families to keep them connected.

MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ supports partner agencies in the U.S. and globally. Constellations exist in a diverse set of communities in Washington, California, New York, Oklahoma, Australia, Nova Scotia, The Netherlands, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

To broaden the reach and impact of MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ while maintaining the flexibility and responsiveness to the unique needs and challenges of different geographic locations, populations, and jurisdictions, The Mockingbird Society functions as a guide, consultant, and key member of an Implementation Planning Team in partnership with child welfare organizations and child placing agencies in establishing these communities. 

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