Providing adoption reference

[ObviouslyNC]

Hi,

My husband and I have been asked to provide a reference for our close friends who are currently starting stage 1. We are delighted to be doing it for them and have no reservations about doing so.

I wondered if anyone could give us a steer on things we should definitely think about including - I am worried about being too gushing in case it comes over as false, but I also don't want to say anything that might cause them issues...

What kinds of things to SWs want to see/not see?

Our references were given a form to fill in with specific questions to answer. You may be given the same

Very kind of you to ask on here - I think just be as honest as you can and also I don’t think personally on paper you can be too gushing… but whatever you feel comfortable with!

Our references both times had to have a meeting - I think just a video call in this day and age! So they will question you about it anyway.

I expect you'll get a questionnaire.
But otherwise:

• how long have you known them / how did you meet
• how often do you see them, in what types of context
• do they get on well, are they a strong couple
• what strengths that might make them good parents
• have you seen them interact with children, how were they
• would you have any qualms about them looking after your, possibly hypothetical, children

Thank you for the steer!