References enhance the assessment of prospective foster or adoptive families. Information from individuals that have a long acquaintance with prospective foster and adoptive parents is important when assessing an individual's suitability to provide foster or adoptive care.

The FAD worker must obtain five references for each prospective foster and adoptive family. Two references must be from relatives of the family (not counting adult children) and three from non-relatives. The FAD worker may obtain references by telephone or email, or by providing Form 2165 FAD Reference to persons named as references.

Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 40 TAC §749.2449 (foster homes) and §749.3625 (adoptive homes)