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It's been ages since we had our references done, and they may have change since but I know they were long- over 1 hour, nearly 2!!Things that came up were how we were around children, what our personalities were at times of pressure, would we be able to discipline children/ are we lenient people, did we as a couple argue, how did we as a couple react to each other, support network aspects, and basically checking that any chronological info we had given did actually tally up.Sorry, can't remember anymore, and they could vary as they are open ended questions.Hope that helps a bit!!Best of luckxx

venezia is right, they are basically trying to get another opinion of you and or your partner. they are checking that what you have told them is true as regards time scales, ex partners, etc. they will also want to know what you are like around other peoples (or their) children.best of luck, mary xx

Yes, all the above sounds just about right. My 3 refs had to submit written references, then they were all visited by my SW (even my sister, who lives 150 miles away). A big part of it was establishing my support system - my SW talks frequently about the referees and how they may figure in my life in the future. My sister was impressed at how well my SW seemed to know me, and how detailed her knowledge was about our family - events and dynamics.One of my refs was someone who has a senior position in local Child Services. I thought she'd be a good one, as she can testify to my ability to parent a child, and to be realistic about the kind of children who are looked after. And she did me proud. But she is not a maternal person, and not someone who I see as having a practical role in supporting me in the future. In retrospect, I half-wish I'd chosen another friend, who would drop everything to help if I needed her,lives close by and is not working.Good luck!