References

[TulipsfromAmsterdam]

We are only just starting out on the fostering journey but after reading some posts thought I would ask here about referees. Who is acceptable and how many are required? Can family members give a reference also?
The SW mentioned employers and I am currently working but if I was to give up or change job before reaching the assessment stage would this be a problem? Sorry about all the questions but have seen a lot of helpful advice here so sure someone can help.

[maypole1]

no your currant job is a good one i would also use somone who is around you lots but knows you as a parent or somone who has your won children often because thats really the money question what are you going to be like as parents i would suggest your parents, maybe a teacher at the school if you know them well also your husbands family i think they usually like 3 and if your single 3 and then one from ex

[threeandcounting]

Hi! We had to have at least three references each. Preferably one family member, one employer and a friend. Good on you for starting the journey! X

[SenSationsMad]

We had to have three references each too, that we had known for at least 6 years! This did include one each of family members.
We did not need to give employers as referee's, but the LA contacted them anyway for character references. They also contact your childrens schools' head, I suppose its to check that your own children are coming to school regularly, well cared for, adequately dressed etc.

[happydaze22]

We only had three between us and one of those was my sister.

[NanaNina]

Hi Tulips - as you have probably gathered from the posts each LA or IFA have different rules about referees.

I worked in a LA in fostering and adoption for 30 years and am now retired, and during those years, rules about referees changed from time to time.

We always asked for 4 referees - 2 family and 2 independent.

Employers were only contacted if the employment was anything to do with child care.

AS others have mentioned, if you have children, their school will be contacted (with your consent).

Best thing really is to ask the social worker who is carrying out the assessment. I do sometimes wonder why applicants don't ask the Qs they need to, though I know sometimes it is easier to get advice from MN!

[anji9012]

Hi,

We had 8 personal references done. 4 each, plus 2 employment ones. so it does depend on the LA

[psiloveyou]

We had to give eight. We used
Both employers
My best friend
A couple who were close friends of use both
FiL
My mum
My sister
An ex employer of dh.

[TulipsfromAmsterdam]

Thanks for all the replies. It has been interesting to see who everyone has used.
Our SW is very approachable and had said 3 referees but I wasn't sure if they had to be more on a professional basis (as when applying for jobs) so it is good to hear we can use family members too.
I do find it useful asking general questions here as it saves picking up the phone and quizzing foster team every time something pops up.
Thanks again

[maypole1]

Oh good glad we all could help try and use people who know you both and someone who knows your children well a baby sitter or a good friend of your children.


They will want to get an unbiased view of your parenting