Information and Referral Assistance

The Regional Information Referral and Assistance Specialist Program is established to help identify, understand, and effectively access services.  The Regional Information Referral and Assistance Specialists are professional staff with a comprehensive understanding of the service delivery system and are understanding of and sensitive to the needs of people seeking help and information.  They work to assure that the most relevant, accessible, comprehensive, accurate and timely information is available.

The Information and Referral Program assists individuals, families, and the community to identify, understand and effectively use the programs that are part of the human service delivery system. Information and Referral services facilitate long-range planning by tracking requests for services and identifying gaps and duplications. These specialists help people to better understand their problems and make informed decisions about possible solutions. They may advocate on behalf of individuals, and reinforce the individual’s capacity for self-reliance and self-determination through education, affirmation, collaborative planning and problem solving. Community services are a vital link bringing people and resources together.