How Many References Do You Offer?

[Peacefulbird]

Hi.

Had interview last nite and today parents asking for 2 - 3 current references, plus 2 - 3 past references

You're right it seems too many.

What I usually do during interviews it is to explain clearly that, they "prospective clients" need time to think and decide or visit more homes or other options to compare etc. after they come to the conclusion that my care suits them then we follow those steps:

1. They can contact me and I can send a copy of my contract for their further perusal. Once that reading is agreed (further questions and answers, etc) no signatures yet. When they agree and the contract is clear for them. Then we move forward.

2. Once I get a verbal agreement then I send two references (usually of long term standing families or families that their children are about to start the jk program). With the options to send potentially one more reference if needed or I invite them to come over at the end of a day work so they can meet the current families in my care. Usually by calling the first two references they have signed the contract and have it delivered with postdated checks.

I always make clear that, I do respect my reference families and I have told them that I will use their reference only when a family is ready to commit. (Avoiding this way to bother them without serious interests).