North Yorkshire families celebrated for 380 years of fostering dedication

A milestone of 380 collective years of care has been reached by foster families across North Yorkshire. During a series of events marking Foster Care Fortnight, 33 long-service awards were presented to individuals and couples who have provided stability and support to children in the region.

The celebrations, which took the form of afternoon cream teas, provided a space for carers to connect and reflect on their contributions. These awards recognize a diverse range of experience, with some carers having served for a single year and others marking three decades of dedication to local young people.

Mockingbird hubs expand across Scarborough and Selby

A central part of the celebration focused on the success of the Mockingbird Family Model. This innovative approach creates a “constellation” of fostering families who support one another, similar to an extended family network. By fostering a sense of community and resilience, the model helps carers manage the daily realities of their roles while ensuring children feel part of a wider, stable environment.

Currently, Fostering North Yorkshire operates four of these hubs, with two located in Scarborough, one in Selby, and another near Thirsk. Plans are already underway to launch a fifth constellation in Scarborough later this year to meet growing demand. This model mirrors similar recruitment drives in Cheshire East where peer support is becoming a cornerstone of local authority strategy.

Realities of fostering in the local community

For many residents, fostering quickly transitions from an extraordinary commitment to a natural part of daily life. Andrew Clarkson, a foster carer from Selby, noted that while the role is often discussed as something far outside the norm, it is actually a fundamental human activity of providing care.

In Scarborough, carer Ryan McDowell encouraged those considering the path to seek out honest conversations with existing foster parents. The “This is Fostering” theme for 2026 highlights these everyday realities, moving away from idealized portrayals to show the practical skills and love required to help children thrive. This push for transparency is also seen in urgent calls for support in Buckinghamshire, where the focus remains on the profound impact a stable home has on a child’s trajectory.

Meeting the urgent need for North Yorkshire foster homes

As of late last year, 448 children in North Yorkshire were being provided with homes by foster families. Despite the 380 years of experience celebrated this month, North Yorkshire Council has emphasized an ongoing and urgent need for more local families to come forward.

Fostering is open to a wide demographic, including single people, couples, renters, and homeowners. The council is specifically looking for individuals from all backgrounds who can provide a safe environment for children who cannot live with their birth families.

What this means locally

• Experience Milestone: 33 carers recognized for a combined 380 years of service.
• Support Growth: A new Mockingbird hub is confirmed for Scarborough in late 2026.
• Current Demand: 448 children in the region require foster care placement.
• Accessibility: Fostering applications are open to residents regardless of marital status or home ownership.

Cllr Janet Sanderson, executive member for children and families, noted that seeing nearly four centuries of experience in one room was a testament to the commitment of the region’s residents. The focus now shifts to ensuring the next generation of carers has access to the same robust support networks and community hubs.

Source: North Yorkshire Council