It’s important to have a process which establishes eligibility criteria and manages referrals effectively. However, it’s also important to keep this process as quick and simple as possible, so as to not slow down the reconnection process for clients. This can be managed by asking only for essential information on the referral form and following up as appropriate after work has started with the client.
It’s likely that some people who wish to be reconnected will not be currently in touch with homeless services. It’s important to publicise the opportunity to escape rough sleeping by being reconnected as widely as possible, eg: to Police and hospital staff. In these situations, it’s important to be flexible, eg: about rough sleeping verification. You may also wish to consider specific approaches, such as setting up a dedicated phone line for the service.
