As more organizations engage by participating in the resource directory, new opportunities to connect and share information are discovered. Case Management is another example and a natural extension of a referral system.
Initially the referral system only sent an email with information about the client being referred. Then the referral system was expanded to provide a web-based form to enter information and log the referral. Then a case management system was connected which allowed a case manager to select a client for referral, send a referral, store the client profile and referral information in the case management system of the organization to which the client was referred, and to allow the referral recipient organization the option to accept or reject the referral based on available resources.
Funders continue to require greater levels of accountability which for many requires case management. However many small and medium sized organizations cannot afford the initial or monthly cost of case management systems or the computer hardware to run them. Partnership for Human Services has successfully worked to reduce the cost and increase accessibility of case management.