Members of conflict-affected populations can face a wide range of issues beyond those that agencies they are directly in contact with can address. Organizations can identify issues at individual or community level that are not directly covered through their own programmers or mandate. Staff, frontline workers and community members are sources of information on services available and can help persons of concern to access the services they need. A referral is the process of directing a potential member to another service provider because she/he requires help that is beyond the expertise or scope of work of the current service provider.
In order for a referral not to create harm to the individual/community in need of assistance, the referral needs to respect at all times the following principles: