During Foster Care Fortnight, we’re shining a light on the incredible commitment, compassion and dedication of our foster carers. This year, we’re proud to share the story of Sallyanne Sims, who has fostered for 21 years and has helped change the lives of 49 children and young people.

A family built on care and consistency

Sallyanne lives in East Dorset with her husband, Paul. Together, they’ve raised their own two children, who are now adults with families of their own. They are currently caring for two young siblings, continuing a long tradition of opening their hearts and home to children who need a safe and loving place to stay.

Over the years, Sallyanne and Paul have cared for children ranging from just three weeks old to 18 years, offering short‑term, emergency, and short‑break care for younger children under 10. One of the children who first came to live with them stayed for 10 years, and they remain in contact to this day.

“We treat the children we care for as family,” Sallyanne says. “One young person lived with us for 10 years and became part of ours. My parents are his nan and grandad in his eyes, and we’re still very close.”

Deciding to foster

After working as a childminder for 10 years, Sallyanne and Paul explored supporting children from Chernobyl, before seeing fostering advertised locally. Importantly, it was a family decision.

At first, the timing didn’t feel right. But a few years later, lessons at school sparked something special.

“Our eldest was learning about children in care and raised the idea again. He was the one who planted the seed,” Sallyanne says. “We spoke to our boys and were encouraged by friends, who felt we had a great home life to offer, so we went for it!”

The rewards and challenges of fostering

Like all fostering journeys, Sallyanne’s has included both challenges and moments of profound joy. She speaks openly about the impact on her birth children, particularly when children joining the household have complex lived experiences. But when reflecting on how fostering has helped shape her sons into the caring, family‑focused adults they are today, she couldn’t be prouder.

The rewards, she says, far outweigh the difficulties.

“Seeing a child arrive frightened or withdrawn and then watching them feel safe, smile or laugh for the first time is incredibly rewarding. It is very special.”

Many of the children Sallyanne has cared for stay in touch, whether they’ve moved on, been adopted, or grown into adulthood, building positive relationships and achieving their goals.

The importance of support

For Sallyanne, strong, consistent support has been vital.

“A good social worker is key. Someone responsive and easy to contact.”

She also highlights the value of peer support, praising Dorset Council’s focus on foster carer support groups, which she says make a real difference.

Challenging myths and encouraging others

Sallyanne is passionate about breaking down misconceptions around fostering.

“There’s still a stigma that foster children are ‘naughty’ or ‘trouble.’ That’s simply not true. You must look beyond what’s written and treat every child as an individual.”

Her advice to anyone considering fostering is honest and encouraging:

“Talk to your family, ask lots of questions and get as much information as you can. You will face challenges, but the rewards absolutely outweigh them. If you want to do it, go for it.”

Could you foster? Learn more and start your fostering journey

Fostering with your local authority offers children and young people in Dorset stability, safety and hope . It helps us keep children in the county they call home , close to their family, friends, schools and the places that matter most to them.

There are a range of fostering options available, including supported lodgings, which can fit around a busy home or work life. Training, support and weekly payments are available.

If you’re interested in fostering, visit the Foster with Dorset Council website to find out more or read additional foster carer stories.