To make a good referral, what must a human service professional know about the agency being referred to?

A human service professional must know whether the agency provides the specific service needed by the client to make an appropriate referral. This understanding is crucial because referring a client to an agency that cannot address their needs can lead to wasted time and resources, and potentially harm the client’s well-being.

Knowledge about the agency’s services ensures that the client is directed to a place that can effectively assist them, which is essential for supporting their journey toward achieving personal goals or resolving issues they face. Understanding the services available at the agency allows the human service professional to tailor the referral accurately, increasing the likelihood that the client will receive the necessary care and support.

The other options, while potentially relevant to the overall evaluation of the agency, do not directly impact the immediacy of addressing the client's needs through a proper referral. Knowing if an agency has received funding or if it is newly established may provide context about its stability or reputation, but these factors do not guarantee that the agency offers the correct services tailored to the client's requirements. Participation in evaluations can indicate a commitment to quality, but again, this does not address whether the specific services needed by a client are available.