When Dan first considered fostering, he wasn't sure how it would fit around work, family commitments and everyday life. 

As he explored the process, he discovered there were many different ways to foster.

More than 15 years later, fostering remains a central part of life for Dan and his family in Weymouth. What began with a simple enquiry led to years of supporting children and young people through short breaks, kinship care and caring for his nephew through a Staying Put arrangement. 

Dan's story challenges common assumptions about fostering and highlights the many ways people can support children and young people. 

He is passionate about tackling misconceptions and believes many people rule themselves out because they don't fit a particular image of what a foster carer looks like. 

Dan said: “There is no typical foster carer, and you probably already have some of the skills needed. If you're thinking about fostering, pick up the phone, fill in an enquiry form or send an email. Having an initial conversation isn't a commitment.”

His experience reflects a key message behind Dorset Council's latest fostering campaign, which encourages people to look beyond assumptions and reflect on the skills and qualities they already have. 

Using mirrors carrying the message, 'This is what a foster carer looks like', the campaign encourages people to see themselves reflected in the role and challenges the idea that there is a single type of foster carer. 

It also highlights the different ways people can foster, alongside the training, support and financial payments available. 

Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: 

"Dan's story shows that fostering can look different for every family. 

"Many people have qualities that can make a real difference to a child or young person, including patience and the ability to listen and remain calm. 

"There are different ways to foster, and people are supported throughout their journey with training, ongoing guidance and financial support. 

"We urgently need more foster carers across Dorset and would encourage anyone who has ever considered fostering to find out more." 

For Dan, some of the most meaningful moments on his fostering journey have been the simplest.

He said: “One of the most important things I've learned is to get to know that young person as an individual. To have somebody say, especially a young person who's been through a lot of experiences of different people supporting them, that they felt like I actually listened to them, that was really important for me.”

More than  15 years after making his first enquiry, fostering remains an important and rewarding part of Dan's family's life.  

Dorset Council's latest fostering campaign is encouraging people to challenge assumptions about fostering and explore the different ways they could make a difference. 

Could you see yourself fostering? 

If you've ever wondered whether fostering could be right for you, now is the time to find out. Visit fosterwithdorsetcouncil.com/see-yourself-fostering

 or call 0300 456 0120 to learn more about the support, training and financial payments available when you foster with Dorset Council. 

Watch Dan's video and read more foster carer stories to find out what it's really like to foster a child or young person in care.