[Mom2ddb]

Hi, Just wondering what should go into a letter of reference? Our agency is asking for 5 references and letters. Any thoughts on what the letters should include? THANKS!! Denise

(Mom to 3 terrific bio boys-10,6 and 3)

[nina03]

Our agency provided us with the exact wording that they were looking for. Have you checked with your agency, they should have templates. Good luck!

Nina

[spaypets]

Our agency gave us guidelines, which I don't remember all of, but some were:

The writer should say how he/she knows you and for how long. Since you already have kids, they should talk about the kind of parents you are and a little about how your family functions. If they know about how you disipline your children, they should talk about that. They should talk about your relationship as a couple, how you seem to make decisions and resolve conflicts. They should talk about your character, your values.

I don't envy you having to come up with 5 references. We only had to choose 3 and that was hard enough (because they had to be non-relatives who had known us for more than 3 years -- we had moved and simply didn't have that many people who had known us as a couple for that long).

Our former neighbor's letter was probably the best of the bunch. She wrote about how we'd helped her when her husband had a medical emergency, going to the hospital to bring her home because she didn't drive. And about how we watched her dog when her MIL died and left soup in the fridge for them so they wouldn't have to cook. I think specific examples really helped.

Edited to add: I am speaking about homestudy references--your country's specific requirements may be different.

[brookeinmn]

We only had to do three, but they had to be unrelated. Our agency gave us a template. Our best one was from our daycare provider, since she could give specific examples of how we raise our daughter and a little insight about her. Check with your agency.

[brinawynne]

We provided the names and addresses of our 7 (yes 7) references and they sent them all a guideline for what they wanted in the letter. Have you asked them if they have a template or guidelines for you? Maybe they just forgot to give it to you?

Brina

[Mom2ddb]

We haven't even signed with the agency, but they are asking for these letters with our application. I guess I should check with them. Thanks!!! Denise

(mom to 3 terrific bio boys:10,6 and 3)

[Maria2006]

I Hope It Works