How to Write a Character Letter for Foster Care

A good foster parent can truly change the lives of disadvantaged children or children with difficult histories. Applying to be a foster parent is a rigorous application process in which the applicant needs to supply several letters of reference written by people who can attest to his character. If the applicant has asked you to write such a letter on his behalf, you should make a strong case emphasizing his responsibility and worthiness for this position.

Instructions

    • 1

      Write your home address in three or four lines at the top of the letter in the left-hand corner. Skip a line and type the date, also along the left-hand side. Skip another line.

    • 2

      Type "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To Whom it May Concern" or "Dear" plus the name of the person you are addressing, if of course, you have their name.

    • 3

      Skip a line. Identify yourself and state your relationship to the applicant. State how long you've known this person and in what context.

    • 4

      Skip a line. State why you think the applicant is trustworthy and give clear, specific reasons. Skip another line and state why the applicant is responsible person and how you know, giving clear examples.

    • 5

      Skip another line. Explain why you think the applicant would make a good parent. Give detailed examples.

    • 6

      Close your letter with an anecdote that reflects the applicant's character in a positive way. Include your contact information.

    • 7

      Skip a line, write "Sincerely," and skip another four lines and type your name. Orient this closing to the right or left.

    • When a child in Tennessee is unable to live in his home or a parent cannot care for him, the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services takes over. The department provides care for many of these children through foster care. Foster care is a tempora
    • Foster parents provide a much-needed service. They take care of children who are in need and have been taken away from their parents. Foster parents open their home to children who are in a transition part of their lives. While specific rules and reg
    • According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, 463,000 children were in foster care as of September, 2008. Children entering the foster care system are in need of the kind of focused and controlled care some families struggle