What is Information and Referral?

Information & Referral (I&R) is the art, science and practice of bringing people and services together.  I&R resource databases contain detailed descriptions of the programs and services provided by community, social, health, and government organizations.

Inquirers to Vermont 211 will connect with:

“trained, empathetic Community Resource Specialists who assess their needs in a non-threatening, non-judgmental and confidential manner and help them understand their situations and make informed decisions about possible solutions. The I&R Specialist can, when necessary, assist people who are in crisis and emergency situations. I&R Specialists can also advocate on behalf of individuals who need additional support.”

From AIRS – Alliance of Information and Referral Systems

At Vermont 211, we can provide clients with much more than a phone number or the service hours of an agency.  Our Community Resource Specialists follow an information and referral process that includes:

  • Establishing rapport

  • Gathering information through active listening

  • Determining the caller’s previous efforts

  • Problem solving in partnership with the caller

  • Matching resources with needs

  • Identifying potential barriers

  • Making appropriate referrals to services

  • Offering follow-up if appropriate

How do we index an agency’s services?

Vermont 211 uses the Alliance of Information & Referral Systems’ (www.airs.org) approved Taxonomy of Human Services, a standard indexing system used by human service information and referral organizations throughout the United States and Canada.

 

Additional information