What references are needed to become a foster carer?

References for fostering are written or verbal accounts from people who can give an independent view of your experience, reliability, relationships and suitability to care for a child. The exact number and type depend on your circumstances and the fostering agency’s requirements, but most applications involve both personal and professional referees.

Who can provide a reference?

• Personal referees: These may be friends, neighbours or other people who have known you for a significant period and have seen how you manage responsibilities and relationships. They should be able to give specific examples rather than simply confirm that they know you.
• Professional referees: An employer, former employer, line manager or another professional contact may be asked to comment on your reliability, conduct, communication and ability to work responsibly. This can be particularly relevant where you are applying to foster alongside employment.
• People familiar with your family life: Where appropriate, a referee may be someone who has observed you caring for children or managing family responsibilities. This is not necessarily a requirement, but practical examples can help the assessor understand your experience.
• Previous partners or significant adults: Depending on your history, the agency may ask to contact a former partner or another adult who has had an important role in your life. This can help establish a balanced account of relationships, household circumstances and any relevant changes.

Close relatives are not always accepted as the main source of a personal reference because the agency needs independent views. There may be exceptions where a relative has a relevant professional relationship with you, but you should check before nominating them. Referees normally need to have known you well enough to provide meaningful evidence, rather than simply being able to confirm your identity.

What will referees be asked about?

A reference is likely to cover your character, judgement, reliability and approach to responsibility. The assessor may ask how you respond to stress, manage disagreements, maintain boundaries and communicate with other adults. If you have cared for children, the referee may be asked about your patience, consistency, understanding of children’s needs and ability to seek help when necessary.

References may also explore your household relationships and the support available to you. A referee does not need to describe you as perfect. An honest account that recognises both strengths and areas for development is generally more useful than a statement that gives no detail. Any concerns raised should be considered alongside your interviews, checks, training and the rest of the assessment.

How are references obtained?

• You provide the names and contact details of suitable referees, usually with their consent.
• The agency confirms whether each person meets its requirements and may ask you to suggest an alternative if a referee is not sufficiently independent or has not known you for long enough.
• Referees are contacted and asked to complete a form, take part in a conversation or provide information in another agreed way.
• The assessing social worker considers the evidence, may ask follow-up questions and records how it relates to your overall suitability.

Some agencies may contact a referee more than once if an answer needs clarification. A reference is not considered in isolation: it forms part of a wider assessment that can include identity and household checks, health information, criminal record checks, interviews, home visits and preparation training. A positive reference cannot replace these other requirements, and a concern in a reference does not automatically mean that an application will end.

What if your circumstances are unusual?

Tell the fostering agency early if you are self-employed, retired, unemployed, recently changed jobs, have lived abroad or have difficulty contacting a former employer or partner. The agency can explain what alternative evidence may be appropriate, such as a previous employer, professional adviser or another person with sufficient knowledge of your circumstances. It is better to disclose changes or gaps openly than to leave the assessor to identify them later.

You should also explain if a potential referee has a personal conflict with you, has limited English, or may need support to provide information. The agency will decide how the reference should be obtained and whether any additional evidence is needed. Referees should be told that their comments are part of a formal fostering assessment and may be discussed with you where appropriate, although information is handled according to the agency’s confidentiality and data protection procedures.

Choose people who can be honest, available and specific, rather than simply selecting those most likely to give favourable comments. Ask them in advance whether they are comfortable being contacted and make sure their contact details are accurate. Become a Foster Family can explain its reference requirements, help you understand which referees are likely to be suitable and guide you through how references fit into the wider application and assessment process.