What distinguishes information and referral services from case management?

The distinction between information and referral services and case management is primarily rooted in the nature of the services provided. Information and referral services focus on offering general information about available resources and connecting individuals to those resources based on their identified needs. This aspect of the service is crucial as it emphasizes accessibility to a wide range of information that clients can utilize to help address their needs or situations.

In contrast, case management typically involves a more hands-on, individualized approach where a case manager actively coordinates and oversees the care and services provided to a client over time. This may include ongoing support, continuous assessment, and tailored interventions that respond to the specific circumstances of the client, which is not the primary role of information and referral services.

The other options highlight aspects that do not distinctly define the core function of information and referral services; for example, the legal assistance and ongoing support aspects relate more closely to case management, while cost considerations vary and do not inherently define the services' nature. Therefore, it is the role of providing general information about resources that sets information and referral services apart from case management.