What is the SRN? Unlocking a New Way of Coordinated Care in Tulare County
Imagine a hospital discharge planner helping an elderly patient recover from a serious illness. The planner knows the patient needs consistent, healthy meals to heal properly, but their only tool is a printed list of local food pantries. They hand over the paper, hoping the patient makes the call and finds the right support, with no way to know if a connection was ever made. For decades, this has been the reality for service providers across Tulare County. Despite our best efforts and deep commitment, our system was fragmented, creating gaps in care for clients and uncertainty for the very people trying to help. Now, we have a better way. Supported by United Way of Tulare County, a new, collaborative approach is closing those gaps and transforming how we connect people to the resources they need.
United Way of Tulare County believed there was a better way—a way to truly see if resources are helping people succeed and to end the cycle of repetitive need. After overcoming initial challenges to secure funding and find the right user-friendly system, we are proud to introduce the solution.
What is the Smart Referral Network?
The Smart Referral Network (SRN) is a “closed-loop referral software platform” where nonprofits, government agencies, and other service providers can send, receive, and track client referrals in one secure, shared space. Think of it as a GPS for social services; it replaces outdated paper lists and disconnected phone calls with a direct, digital pathway to care. Instead of just handing out a phone number, a provider using the SRN can make a direct, electronic referral to a partner organization. This ensures a warm handoff for the client and gives the provider confidence that the referral was sent and received.
Why the SRN is a Game-Changer
For individuals and families in need, the SRN means faster access to help. By connecting organizations, we’re creating a "no wrong door" system where a person can start at any participating agency and get connected to a wide network of support. This streamlined process reduces the need for clients to retell their story multiple times, preserving their dignity and getting them to the right service, sooner.
The SRN empowers service providers by providing clear visibility on referral outcomes. You will finally know if your client connected with the referred service. The platform saves valuable time by leveraging the integrated 211 database for the most accurate and up-to-date program information, and it helps avoid client duplication, making your work more efficient and impactful.
From a community-wide perspective, the SRN builds a more intelligent and effective social safety net. It ensures better privacy practices through a secure system that requires client consent and monitors all activity. It also provides unprecedented transparency with clear, defined referral statuses like "Enrolled," "Closed," or "Declined." This data is crucial for efficiently utilizing our limited resources, understanding what needs are being met, and advocating for new resources when we identify a gap.
How to Use the SRN
We hope our community will utilize the SRN in partnership with a resource we all know and trust: 211 Tulare County. Think of it this way: 211 is the essential entry point for information, and the SRN is the method by which clients get seamlessly referred. It’s how organizations can reach out to those who want help and see the end result of that connection.
Ready to close the loop? If your organization provides essential services, we invite you to see how the SRN can empower your work. Click below to contact us about the SRN.
Our Vision
The Smart Referral Network is more than just technology; it's a commitment to working together more effectively. It is our promise to end the cycle of repetition, to elevate our community members, and to ensure every individual and family in Tulare County can find a clear, supportive path to stability and the opportunity to thrive.
