Current Projects

Advancing Referral Processes
(February - July 2008)

ACTEW and OAYEC partner to support more effective referrals for clients

Effective Referral Practices

A Commitment to Training and Education for Women (ACTEW) and the Ontario Association of Youth Employment Centres (OAYEC) are pleased to jointly present their latest study: Advancing Referral Processes.

Twenty-nine employment referral practitioners working in agencies serving women and youth across Ontario provide their perspective on effective referral practices as well as barriers in the referral process.

This study broadens our understanding of current referral processes for women and youth in both rural and urban settings. It also explores opportunities to improve referral processes.

EVIDENCE© Community Based Research facilitated this project funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities’ Employment Ontario Network Development Fund from March to May 2008.

The Impact

Women and youth often face significant and multiple barriers when seeking employment and training. This study reflects very common experiences regardless of which group the practitioner served, or if they worked in a rural or urban setting.

The practitioners suggested methods of assisting their clients as well as what shifts in current service priorities and funding need to be implemented in order to better respond to client needs.

Results and Recommendations

This study highlights several key systemic, employment and other obstacles that the clients face. The study suggests referral strategies to support clients.

One key recommendation for practitioners is to create ties with broad ranges of organizations and agencies in their respective communities through proactive networking. Although time and energy intensive, this gives clients access to the information, supports and resources they need in order to achieve their employment and training goals.

The full report can be found at:

EVIDENCE is a non-profit evaluation and consulting firm for community based non-profit agencies and their funders. EVIDENCE provides community based research and program evaluation to enable non-profit organizations to understand and improve their programs, service outcomes and strategic directions.

Contact Information:

A Commitment to Training and Employment for Women (ACTEW)
215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 350
Toronto, ON  M5T 2C7
Tel: (416) 599-3590
Fax: (416) 599-2043
Email: info@actew.org
www.actew.org

Ontario Association of Youth Employment Centres (OAYEC)
120 Carlton Street, Suite # 209
Toronto, ON M5A 4K2
Tel: (416) 323-9557
Fax: (416) 323-9927
E-mail: info@oayec.org
www.oayec.org

Evidence Community Based Research
120 Carlton Street, Suite # 209
Toronto, ON M5A 4K2
Tel: (416) 323-9557
Fax: (416) 323-9927
E-mail: llamenza@evidenceconsulting.ca
www.evidenceconsulting.ca