Identify questions about referrals, services, and continuity between settings.
Start with the person’s priorities
Ask which need is most urgent from the person’s perspective. Several organizations can be involved without anyone being sure who is handling the next step. With appropriate permission, identify a lead contact and make responsibilities explicit.
Check whether a referral became a connection
Giving someone a number is only one part of coordination. Ask whether the service is accepting requests, what is needed to begin, and how to handle a failed connection. Follow your organization’s consent and information-sharing procedures.
Questions to carry with you
- Has the receiving service agreed to the next step?
- Does the person know what to bring or ask?
- Who will follow up if contact does not happen?
One manageable next step
Review one open referral and resolve the next unanswered question. Record the outcome without including unnecessary personal detail.