A constellation is a micro-community of foster families collaborating with each other like an extended family. Each constellation centers around a hub home, typically an experienced foster family, that provides support, resources, and opportunities to all the families within its network. The constellation structure aims to promote stability and positive outcomes for both foster youth and the families supporting them. 

Traditional foster care consists of individually licensed homes throughout a region. Due to high turnover of foster families, however, many foster youth experience sibling separation and multiple placement disruptions while in care. The constellation structure, meanwhile, is an intentional network of neighboring foster families centered around a hub home. These families and youth benefit from peer support and collaboration, leading to decreased turnover of families, more time with siblings, and fewer placement changes while in care. 

A constellation consists of a hub home at its core and a network of foster and kinship homes (aka “satellite homes”). The hub home serves as the direct point of contact for child welfare agency staff, and advocates for the resources, training, and other support their families need.

The process for matching foster youth with a constellation involves careful assessment and consideration of the youth's needs, preferences, and compatibility with the caregivers within the constellation. This process is led by a team of professionals to ensure the best fit for the youth.

The constellation structure places a strong emphasis on the safety and holistic well-being of foster youth. All caregivers within the constellation undergo rigorous screening, and the hub home provides an additional layer of individualized support and ongoing supervision for the youth. 

With multiple supportive adults and a strong, diverse network, foster youth experience more stable placements, reduced disruptions and improved overall well-being. Constellations also offer foster youth increased opportunities to see siblings and to maintain connection with their biological families. 

Youth transitioning out of foster care within a constellation receive ongoing support and access to resources to facilitate a successful transition. The constellation structure fosters an extended family-like environment, providing a safety net for youth as they navigate adulthood.

Families within a constellation receive comprehensive training about the constellation structure. The hub home will also organize group trainings on relevant topics like trauma-informed care and conflict resolution as needs arise. The hub home provides ongoing coaching, mentorship, and support ensure caregivers have the tools and resources needed to succeed. 

Additionally, satellite families can access respite care directly with the hub home and/or fellow families within the constellation. Constellation families also have more direct access to their local child welfare agency via the hub home to elevate concerns and advocate for their foster youth.

The hub home, being an experienced foster family, plays a central role in the constellation. They provide mentorship, guidance, respite care, and support to other families. The hub home coordinates monthly gatherings and training sessions, acts as a resource for other caregivers, and facilitates communication within the constellation.

The satellite homes form an essential network of caregiving and emotional support for the hub home and one another. Like an extended family, they mutually contribute to the overall stability and well-being of the foster youth within the constellation.

To become a hub home or satellite home, caregivers must meet certain criteria for their local child welfare agency and undergo a screening process, including background checks and training.

The hub home is the first point of contact for crisis and respite care needs within the constellation (comprised of 6-10 families). Having two available beds provides vital flexibility should multiple families need urgent respite at the same time.

Being part of a constellation offers foster families and youth a sense of community and access to a supportive network of trusted caregivers. For foster youth, it means increased stability, consistent care, and a more nurturing environment where they can find belonging.

Existing constellations have shown improved stability for foster youth, increased retention and support for foster families, and positive outcomes for the youth involved. Success stories include strengthened bonds between caregivers, closer relationships with siblings, and improved overall outcomes for foster youth. Click here for our MOCKINGBIRD FAMILYTM Reports & Evaluations.

Constellations undergo regular evaluations to assess their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Feedback from caregivers, foster youth, and partners is actively sought to ensure ongoing quality and impact. The Mockingbird Society also seeks ongoing opportunities with academic and policy institutions to study the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ model and its outcomes.

Studies have shown that the constellation structure can be cost-effective as it reduces the need for frequent placement changes and provides a more stable and supportive environment for foster youth. Cost savings are observed in decreased disruptions and better long-term outcomes for youth.

Yes, the constellation structure is adaptable and applicable to different communities and states because it is built upon the universal concept of an extended family. It can be tailored to meet the unique needs and cultural context of each location, making it a versatile and effective approach to foster care.

The Mockingbird Society works primarily with local child welfare agencies that wish to launch and support constellations in their region. The Mockingbird Society collaborates closely with agencies to provide training, technical assistance, and guidance throughout the implementation process. These agencies, in turn, support their constellations. The Mockingbird Society also connects implementing agencies and constellations across the US and internationally to share best practices and lessons learned. 

Interested parties or agencies can learn more about constellation structure and MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™  by emailing family@mockingbirdsociety.org or by calling 206-323-5437. The Mockingbird Society will work closely with agencies to assess readiness and fit, provide training, and guide the implementation process.

Community members and organizations can get involved by offering financial support, volunteering, or becoming advocates for the constellation structure in their community. They can also collaborate with the Mockingbird Society to explore opportunities for specific partnership and support. Here is an example of a successful community collaborative - Keep our Kids in Kent with MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY. 

Because MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ is a complete re-wiring of how agencies typically implement foster care, achieving full implementation often takes 2-3 years (from initial inquiry through contract negotiation, training, constellation launch, and subsequent fidelity review). Successful implementation requires sustained financial and personnel commitments across an organization.