Referral and Linkage.
Referral and Linkage means:
- Becoming knowledgeable about community supports, services and resources available to the client (i.e., public housing, physical health care programs, financial benefit programs, vocational and educational resources, social services, advocacy and self-help programs, mental health clinic, natural supports and rehabilitation providers). Maintaining regular contact with these resources to aid client access.
- Working with clients to:
- access useful treatment programs with local and regional resources.
- obtain benefits for which the client is eligible.
- obtain a satisfactory living situation.
- secure employment training and job opportunities.
- obtain basic health care services and ongoing treatment of physical health conditions.
- Assisting clients in developing a range of informal and formal social supports.
- Encouraging clients and their family members to get involved in advocacy and information organizations.
- Advocating for and with clients to gain access to resources to combat stigma or discrimination.
- Accompanying clients, if needed, to gain access to resources.
- Identifying gaps in services and resources to meet client needs and goals. Advocacy for changes and creation of resources to fill these gaps.