What references are needed for a foster carer application?

References are an important part of the evidence used to assess whether you can provide a safe, stable and nurturing home. They help the assessing social worker understand your character, relationships, lifestyle, experience and support network from the perspective of people who know you well.

Your fostering agency will explain its own requirements, including the number and type of referees needed. The exact arrangements can vary according to your circumstances, whether you are applying alone or as a couple, and your previous experience.

• Personal referees: These are usually people who have known you for a meaningful period and can comment honestly on your character, reliability, relationships and suitability to care for children. They may be friends, colleagues or other people who know you well. Close relatives may not meet the agency’s criteria, so check before nominating a family member.
• Employment referees: Your current or previous employers may be asked to confirm your employment history, attendance, conduct and responsibilities. If your work has involved children or vulnerable people, the agency may ask for further information about that experience.
• Previous partners or significant relationships: Where relevant, an agency may seek information from a former partner or someone who has had a substantial role in your family life. This can help build an accurate picture of your relationships and circumstances.
• Previous fostering or adoption references: If you have fostered or adopted before, the agency may contact the relevant organisation or ask for information about that experience, including why it ended.

For a couple, references may need to address both applicants individually and the relationship between them. Someone who knows only one applicant may be suitable for that person but may not be able to comment on the couple’s shared circumstances. The agency will advise whether joint referees are acceptable.

Referees are normally contacted only after you have given the required consent. They may be asked to complete a written questionnaire, take part in a telephone conversation or attend a discussion with the assessing social worker. The questions commonly cover:

• how long and in what capacity they have known you;
• your reliability, patience, communication and ability to manage pressure;
• your relationships with children and adults;
• how you respond to boundaries, rules and difficult behaviour;
• your ability to work with professionals and accept advice;
• the strengths and limitations they believe you would bring to fostering;
• your household, relationships and wider support network; and
• any concerns they think the assessing team should explore.

A reference does not need to be entirely positive to be useful. Assessors consider the information alongside interviews, home visits, training, background checks, medical information and the rest of your assessment. A concern or difference between a reference and your account does not necessarily mean that your application will be refused, but you should be prepared to discuss it openly and explain any relevant context.

Choose referees who will be honest, thoughtful and able to give specific examples rather than simply describing you as kind or dependable. Before supplying their details, ask whether they are comfortable being contacted and explain that fostering involves safeguarding responsibilities, professional collaboration and responding to children who may have experienced trauma or disruption. Do not coach a referee or ask them to hide information; openness is more helpful than an artificially favourable account.

References are separate from checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service checks, local authority checks and medical assessments. They provide personal and professional observations, while those other checks address different aspects of your suitability. Ask your fostering agency how references will be obtained, stored and used, and tell the assessing social worker if a suitable referee cannot be contacted or if your circumstances make a particular reference inappropriate.