A referral should end when the caregiver connects, not when the link is sent.

Information reviewed September 2026. Policies and service processes can change, so use the linked official source when a current rule matters.

A referral is not complete when a link is sent.

A referral is more useful when the caregiver actually reaches the service. The practical question is not only whether information was provided, but whether the handoff worked, eligibility was understood and another barrier appeared.

Use three levels of referral.

Do not overshare to make the referral feel "complete."

The receiving service usually needs the practical issue, relevant eligibility facts and caregiver contact information, not the child's entire legal, medical or trauma history.

Track the handoff without building a second case file.

A small navigation record can show referral date, service, expected response, whether contact occurred, the outcome and any system barrier. That is enough to learn whether the pathway works.

Know when not to use a routine referral.

Immediate danger, suicide crisis, family violence and child-protection concerns need the appropriate urgent pathway. Legal disputes requiring advice should go to legal information or counsel. Clinical needs should go to health professionals.

Use repeated failed referrals as system evidence.

If multiple caregivers encounter the same dead end, that is no longer just an individual navigation problem. Anonymous patterns can inform professional education, partnership conversations and future research.