Show Your Love: Refer a Child in Need
Making the decision to refer a child in need for clinical or preventative services can be difficult, but having the courage to be their voice can make all the difference in the world. Children won’t always ask for help, or they may be unaware that help is available, or that they need it.
Thompson makes it easy to refer any youth at risk, regardless of your relationship with the individual. We are here to help, to love, and to care.
Early intervention matters
When it comes to helping children and families work through their issues, early intervention makes a huge impact. The longer a child is left to deal with trauma on their own without professional guidance, the longer the road to recovery will be once they begin treatment.
Accessing services as early as possible ensures the best developmental outcomes for the child, reducing the incidence of future problems in their learning, behavior and health.
How do I know if it’s time to refer?
Most children will exhibit signs of distress or be upset at different times in their lives, so how can you distinguish between normal emotional experiences and development and signs that mental health care is needed?
- Ask those close to the child if they are unable to cope on their own when faced with negative reactions.
- Look to see if ongoing or severe stress symptoms have been present for one month or more.
- Does their trauma or stress interfere with their ability to participate in normal daily activities?
- Does the child experience a lack of social/family support?
Remember that if you fear for the child, there is no harm in submitting a referral and then finding out later following a professional assessment that services are not required.
In terms of child welfare, a “better safe than sorry” approach is preferable.
Involving the child and/or parents in your decision
You may feel more comfortable speaking with the child or their parents about your concerns prior to submitting a referral for care.
Follow these steps to navigate the conversation:
- Inform the child and/or parent of the concerns you have identified and of your belief that working with a professional might help.
- Find out what difficulties they are facing and ask for ideas about what might help.
- Ask permission to offer advice.
- Determine if they are ready to take action now to address their difficulties.
- Involve them in making a plan and setting an agenda for future care.
Note that a prior conversation with the child or parent about your plans to refer them for care is not always a requirement but generally leads to a higher degree of openness in accepting help.
Common referral sources
Thompson welcomes referrals from individuals referring themselves to parents, guardians, extended family members or professionals with an at-risk child under their care.
In addition to those with close personal ties, we also accept referrals from the following sources:
- Hospitals, medical centers and physicians
- Schools and other educational agencies
- Public health facilities
- Social service agencies
- Public agencies in the child welfare systems
- Homeless family or domestic violence shelters and agencies
Submit a referral
Referring a child you care about for services is an act of love. Please use Thompson’s online form to best direct your referral to the right member of our team.