Writing a Reference for Adoptive Parents
Tips on What to Include in a Letter for an Adoption Application
Sep 25, 2009
The adoption homestudy is a very revealing process during which future adoptive parents are asked to share details about their lives. To have an understanding of the strengths, weaknesses and personality characteristics of the applicants, adoption authorities ask for reference letters as part of the application process. To write an effective reference letter, it is important to understand the purpose of the document and the key points to include.
What is the Purpose of the Adoption Reference Letter?
The purpose of a letter of reference for adoption is to give the adoption officials objective information about the parenting abilities of the applicants. Some adoption agencies use a questionnaire style reference letter that contains specific questions on the personality and characteristics of the potential adoptive parents. Other agencies prefer open letters where references can highlight the most important qualities they see the applicants possessing.
Generally adoption reference letters are short and based on concrete information. The language throughout the letter should be positive, but not too flowery or over the top. It is imperative that the references be accurate and honest, while at the same time placing the potential adoptive parents in the best light possible.
What Should be Included in a Reference Letter for Adoption?
The information covered in a reference letter varies depending on the capacity in which the adoption applicants and references know each other. References are typically written by close friends, family members, co-workers, supervisors, and community leaders who have known the potential adoptive parents for several years.
Ideally, people chosen to write an adoption reference letter should be able to comment on the following:
- How the applicants get along with friends, neighbours, co-workers, customers and supervisors
- How the future adoptive parents handle stressful situations
- The ability for the adopting parents to provide a loving and secure home
- The experience the applicants have with children
- How the potential parents are preparing for parenthood
- The applicants’ views on child-rearing and discipline
- Any problem behaviours or conditions that would affect the ability of the applicants to parent
- The support systems the potential adoptive parents have in place
- The personality characteristics of the adoption applicants, including strengths and weaknesses
If the applicants are adopting as couple, references should also comment on the strength and stability of the partnership.
In understanding the purpose of the adoption reference letter and by covering the key aspects of interest to adoption officials, references share honest insight about an adoption applicant’s ability to be an effective adoptive parent. For more information on the adoption process read How to Adopt a Child Through an Adoption Agency and How to Adopt a Child From Another Country.
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