Foster parents launch support hub for carers

A couple who became foster parents during the Covid 19 lockdown have said they relish the chance to launch a new branch of a support network that began in the United States.

Tom and Jayne Dockerty are opening a Mockingbird hub in Scarborough, helping 10 families who have taken children into care.

It will build on the success of existing support hubs in the area, including in Thirsk and Selby.

Jayne says: "The children get to know other, we have days out, such as at Dalby Forest. It allows them to blend together and form friendships. They don't feel intimidated, they bond really well."

Jayne, originally from Gateshead, feels her work in education and community support helped to mold her passion to care for others.

"I was a community education worker, and we ran a pre-school," she says.

"I also did a lot of work with drugs and alcohol, but my forte was always helping people."

She says they had looked into fostering and had got a call asking if they were interested just before the pandemic.

"We were, and we came through fostering during the pandemic, and we've never looked back."

The couple have fostered six children of various ages.

"Every child has a different trauma, and we have to understand their own needs, with empathy, as we open our home to them," she says.

"The children have come out shining at the other end, and that's the best reward ever."

The Mockingbird hub meets monthly and arranges regular activities for carers and their foster children.

Hub carers receive comprehensive training, a dedicated social worker and an out-of-hours helpline.

"We have up to 10 families in this system, and they are like uncles and aunties in this big family," Jayne says.

The couple are encouraging others to become foster carers in the area.

"Look into it, don't put it off. There's lots of benefits to it," Jayne says.

Alongside long-term fostering, they have also provided short-term care, sleepover support and daycare for numerous children and families.

Jayne says there is a growing need for this kind of respite care for teenagers and their foster families.

"These short breaks can provide valuable support for everyone involved.

"It's a chance to offer reassurance, share advice and remind teenagers and carers that they're not alone."

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