Reference - Adoption/Fostering service

Thank you for supplying a reference for a foster carer applying to East Sussex County Council.

Please complete the form below. If you have any questions, please call the Fostering Service: 01323 464129.

Foster carers look after children and young people who have experienced trauma, separation, and loss. Becoming a foster carer is an important decision. The information you provide will help us assess the applicant's suitability and ability to offer a safe, secure, and loving home.

We will refer to the ‘applicant’ throughout. If this reference is for a couple, please consider both applicants. Sometimes, the information you provide about the other applicant may be more limited.

We would be grateful if you could answer the following questions in as much detail as possible. It is important to comment on positive areas as well as areas where you think the applicant(s) may need support. It is especially important to advise us if you do not think the applicants are suitable and to tell us why.

During our assessments, we interview some referees. An assessor may later contact you by phone or in person to discuss your reference in more detail. You will be notified in advance if a follow-up is needed, and the reason will be clearly explained.

Read our privacy notice to learn how your data is used.

We will not share your information with the applicant or any third party unless you consent or there is a safeguarding issue.

Name of applicant
The name of the person or persons (if a couple) you are providing a reference for

About you

Your reference

Please describe the applicant’s abilities

As individuals and as a couple (if applicable)
As individuals and as a couple (if applicable)
As individuals and as a couple (if applicable)
Please state whether CWDC/TDS has been completed, where applicable
As individuals and as a couple (if applicable)
As individuals and as a couple (if applicable)
As individuals and as a couple (if applicable)
As individuals and as a couple (if applicable)
As individuals and as a couple (if applicable)
As individuals and as a couple (if applicable)
As individuals and as a couple (if applicable)


Please let us know the preferred time of day to phone you to discuss your enquiry. We can contact you up to early evening. Please make sure you have supplied a contact phone number, above.