Information and Referral Services
Information, Assistance and Referral (I & A) is a service that helps individuals, families and communities identify, understand and effectively use the programs that comprise the human service delivery system. On the local level, the I&A system provides long range planning by tracking requests for services, identifying gaps and duplications in services. This allows the local I & A system to keep an updated list of service providers that Montana's senior citizens, adults with disabilities, their family members and caregivers can be referred to.
The Information & Assistance program is sponsored by the Senior & Long Term Care Division/Office on Aging Bureau in partnership the the (10) Area Agencies on Aging though funding provided by the Older Americans Act.
Information, Assistance and Referral Technicians must attend a comprehensive two-day training on the issues and programs, and must pass the Montana Information & Assistance Certification Test to be certified for this position. It prepares them to be the first responder when a client calls for help and allows them to assist with issues from the very simple and straightforward to those who have a mulititude of needs and issues and for those in a crisis situation.
Through the use of individuals counselors and the (toll-free) statewide phone service (1-800-551-3191), the I & A system can provide comprehensive and current local resource information on issues and the availability of services such as:
-
social and health services
-
crisis and/or emergency intervention
-
insurance counseling and assistance
-
legal services development and referral
-
utilities assistance
-
meal services
-
adult protective services
-
grief and loss issues
-
mental health counseling
-
assistance for food/clothing/household needs
-
educational and recreational opportunities and more
The Montana Office on Aging works with paid and volunteer technicians around the state, trained to:
-
provide information about services;
-
refer people to appropriate service programs and agencies;
-
maintain a current directory of service providers; and
-
provide needed outreach work within their communities.
All technicians are employees, volunteers of, or provide contracted
services through, the Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers.
Information & Assistance State Coordinator: Janet Stellmon
(406) 444-7784
