References?

[ohoneybeeo]

I'm in the process of becoming a foster parent.
A social worker is coming next week to get the names of people who will give me a references.
I was just wondering how many I will need to give? And can one be a family member?
Thanks

Don't know about every LA but mine asked for 2 references and neither were allowed to be family. I think they have to have known you for at least 2 years as well. My husband and I chose one friend of mine and one friend of his. His had 2 young children, and mine works with children, so we felt they were well placed to recommend us to look after children.

By the time we went to panel we'd had to have 5 references between us. I think the norm is 2 references known you for more than 2 years and not family.

We had to have 6 references, one of which was my eldest son, and one my DH daughter. Social Services interviewed 2 of the other referees and also all the children, either by telephone or in person.

Thanks all. He came on Friday and I had to have 2 non relative references (whom I've known for at least 2 years), and 1 family reference.

After the Brighton and Hove review, many agencies require 6 references with the expectation they will physically visit 3. Good luck with you application!