When coordinating services for a survivor, which practice is essential?

• A. Connect survivors with housing, health, legal, and social supports with survivor consent
• B. Share all information without consent
• C. Limit contact to a single agency
• D. Avoid documenting any safety concerns

Answer: (A)

Coordinating services effectively hinges on consent-based, holistic support. The essential practice is to connect survivors with housing, health, legal, and social supports with survivor consent. This respects their autonomy and right to control who has information about them, which builds trust and makes it more likely they will engage with multiple providers who can address different needs. Access to housing supports can stabilize safety and housing security, healthcare addresses physical and mental health needs, legal advocacy helps navigate protections and rights, and social supports offer practical and emotional resources. Sharing information without consent can violate privacy, erode trust, and potentially increase risk. By aligning services across sectors with the survivor’s informed consent, you create a coordinated network that enhances safety and long-term well-being. (Note: there are exceptions for imminent danger or mandatory reporting, but the default practice is consent-based collaboration.)