Steps

1) Identify and map out other organizations serving your clinic catchment area including government and nongovernmental and list down relevant services they offer. This can be done using information collected during your community map exercise or as part of updating the existing Community Map of the clinic catchment area.

2) Arrange to meet with the focal persons in charge of the community services that are relevant to your community engagement activities. This may include, police, teacher/principal, Social Welfare Officer, SafeNet officer, agriculture extension workers etc.

3) Inform them of your community engagement plan and discuss ways to link with their services.

4) Agree on the tools to be used for referral of cases to their services.

5) Exchange contact details.

6) Invite them to join in relevant activities such as during outreach activities, community dialogues, event or campaigns.

7) When you need to make a referral, identify which organization is going to meet the needs of the case for referral contact them and confirm eligibility of the case for their services.

8) Explain to the client your recommendation for referral and to what services you are referring. When in agreement seek written consent and assist in filling the appropriate referral form. Parental/ care giver consent should be obtained if the client is a minor. Agree with the client, which information can be shared. Forms should be filled in triplet a copy for your records and two for the clients to take to the referral services.

9) Follow up with both the client and the referred to service provider to confirm the referral was successful and client needs have been addressed satisfactorily. Following questions can assist you to seek this information:

a. Did the client receive the planned services?

b. What was the outcome?

c. Was the client and/ or the caregiver satisfied with the referral process, and the services received?

d. Is there need for other services?

e. Is there a need for a post discharge form to be given to patient referred to TCH from Outer islands or South Tarawa to take back to PHNs or MAs for their information of that patient health status?

10) Ensure all referrals forms and case files are stored in secure (locked) cabinets to ensure the implementation of safe and ethical data collection, management and storage of information

11) Make sure to record all referrals in the referral log-book.

• That traditional and informal community structures play a tremendously important role in supporting children, adolescents and their families; too often these groups are excluded from formal referral systems. Identify these groups as part of your community mapping

• To record all type of referrals in the log-book including non-medical referrals