Foster carer checks- Personal reference form North West
Your name has been given by someone who is applying to become a foster carer.
They have stated you are a person who knows them well and can give a reference as to their suitability.
Children placed with foster carers are usually in some distress at being separated from their family. They may also have experienced abuse and neglect. They are always vulnerable and can be challenging in their behaviour. Foster carers play an invaluable role in making them welcome, providing them with a safe home and helping them cope with family separation. Foster carers have to be able to ensure the safety of any child in their care and also protect their own children (if they have them) and recognise their own limits. It is a difficult but rewarding task.
Personal referees who have known the applicants over a period of several years are very valuable in helping us assess their suitability overall and to recognise the types of situations which could over-stretch them and could lead to children being at risk.
Below is a form in which we ask your opinion about the applicants’ ability and experience with regard to working with, or caring for children and young people. Please complete as much of the form as you can. Your responses are confidential and will not be seen by the applicant unless you give your consent.
Once you have returned the form, one of our staff will contact you to interview you about the applicants’ suitability to be foster carers. This may be in person or can be, in some circumstances, by telephone. In the meantime, if you require any help in completing this form, please do not hesitate to contact us.