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What to write in a reference for fostering

If you have been asked to write a reference for someone who has applied to become a foster carer, you may wish to include the following information:

  1. In what capacity do you know the applicant?

Fostering providers will request references from employers, previous employers, family, friends, health professionals and others.

2.How long have you known them?

A longer relationship is more valuable for the assessment.

3.How often do you see them and their family?

More regular interactions indicate more reliable knowledge of the applicant.

4.What do you know about their previous jobs and relationships?

Employers could confirm if they did checks at application. Friends and family can confirm what they know about the applicant’s career and relationships.

5.Are they safe to look after children?

Your judgement about this is valuable; include the reasons for your thoughts. The fostering service will take your opinion into consideration when coming to their own conclusion.

6.Can they work professionally?

From what you know, would the applicant be able to work well with other professionals and also be able to complete paperwork on time?

7.What are their best qualities?

Focus specifically on the qualities that would benefit any children placed into the fostering home.

8.Can you offer emotional or practical support when they become foster carers?

For friends and family this may include being available to give advice, or perhaps helping to provide direct care to the child. Employers may wish to mention if the job is flexible, particularly to meet childcare commitments.

9.Your contact information

The fostering provider will call you to verify the reference so leave your phone number and best time to call.

Sparks Fostering sends a reference template to all referees which makes clear what information we need for the assessment. The key piece of information that is required is whether you have any reason to believe that the fostering applicant may present a risk to children in foster care.

To learn more about the checks completed during a fostering assessment, see ‘ID and other checks