AIRS I&R Community Resource Specialists Practice Exam 2026 – Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

A "soft referral" involves giving a client information that allows them to follow up on their own rather than directly facilitating contact with a service provider. Providing a client with the telephone number of a service exemplifies this concept, as it empowers the client to take the next steps independently. This approach encourages personal agency and engagement, which can be beneficial for clients as they learn to navigate resources on their own.

Making an appointment for the client, on the other hand, constitutes a more active approach and implies a direct connection to the service. Giving a client a brochure may offer useful information, but it might not specifically prompt the client to take action, as it depends on their willingness to follow through. Directly connecting a client with a service provider represents the most assertive form of referral, significantly reducing the client's required initiative. Thus, providing the phone number aligns most closely with the concept of a soft referral since it leaves the next steps in the hands of the client.