How to Write a Recommendation Letter for a Parent

Adoption agencies look for references and letters of recommendations from those close to prospective parents before placing a child in their care. A good letter of recommendation should sell the agency on the prospective parents' positive traits and clearly demonstrate why they will be excellent parents. They are best written by someone who has known the parents for many years and who knows them very well, like a relative or close friend.

Introduce yourself. The first paragraph of your letter of recommendation should explain to the recipient, usually a social worker or adoption agency, what your relation is to the prospective parent and how long you have known him. State clearly your purpose for writing this letter: You are recommending the adoptive applicant, and you believe he will make an excellent, nurturing parent.

Highlight positive personality traits. Your letter is a recommendation and should sell the social worker on the prospective parent's ability to parent. Point out his gentle nature or speak to the support he has offered you in your life in various situations. If you are recommending a couple, include something complementary about the strength of their relationship.

Talk about the applicants' love of children. If they have volunteered with children and youths, include that in your letter. If you are a parent as well, tell the reader about the applicants' relationship with your children. If you do not, try to include details about their interactions with other children who may be in their lives.

Be concise. In a recommendation letter, you want to paint a clear picture of the prospective parents, but you want the letter to be direct and to the point. Keep the letter to one page or less. You will be one of many references and interviews conducted before approving or denying an application for adoption, so do not stress about it: As long as you are complementary in your letter, you will not be the sole cause of a denied application. Do not lie in your letter but write about the prospective parents as positively as you can.