Vermont Website Resource Guide Search Instructions:

Transcription

1 Vermont Website Resource Guide Search Instructions: The Vermont website URL is In order to search the database for services either click on: Find Resources: Explore the Vermont Database (on the top navigation bar or the right side navigation list) - 1 -

2 To search the Vermont database for resources serving your area, first tell us where the person seeking services is located: If you want to search the whole state of Vermont for a service you may leave this field blank, but we suggest narrowing your search to start with. Next choose one of the three methods to search: Browse Category, Search by Keyword or Search by Name: Note that the Search by NAME search method DOES NOT filter by zip code or city - 2 -

3 This tutorial will review each of these three search methods. Search method ==== CATEGORY The first search method allows the user to scroll through several different category topics. Sometimes it is difficult to know what keyword to use during a search. The Category Search method familiarizes the user with the terminology that Vermont utilizes to classify the breadth of services available to Vermonters. Vermont uses over 2000 specific terms to organize the information in our database. We use a nationally recognized system called the AIRS (Alliance of Information and Referral Systems) Taxonomy that classifies information by using service terms. In other words, the information in our Vermont database is organized by the specific service that an agency or program provides. Click a category from the list to see additional subcategories. The Category system has just three tiers, so if you do not find a service term you are looking for right away, simply try another category. Keep in mind that there are always several ways to find each service, each program and each agency

4 Here are a few examples: By clicking on Substance Abuse Services and then clicking on Smoking, a list of service terms is displayed: By choosing Smoking Cessation your search will produce a list of programs that help Vermonters to quit smoking PRACTICE TIP: Try this search first with no city or zip code entered and then try the same search with a city or zip code entered

5 By clicking on Criminal Justice and Legal Services and then clicking on Courts a list of service terms are displayed: Many families have questions regarding child custody, and divorce. Family Court is one referral that may prove helpful in managing these life issues. The State of Vermont has seven different court systems. It may be helpful to visit the website of the parent agency via our Vermont website. In this example, you may click on a direct link to to view a short description of each court system in Vermont. PRACTICE TIP: Try the Category Search method with your local zip code and see if you can locate several referrals given to the public on a daily basis. For example, Basic Needs Housing for Renters Home Sanitation Health Care Hospitals - 5 -

6 Search method ========== KEYWORD To start this search method, simply enter a word that describes a service. Some examples are counseling, education, food or transportation. When using this search method, it is possible to get too many choices or too few choices or no choices. Keep in mind that a false negative result can occur when the search is too narrow. In other words, if a search produces zero matches it may mean the service term is not accurate and the service is in fact included in the database. If you are having trouble finding a resource.. Remember to DIAL by phone 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, To speak with a trained Information and Referral Specialist Another way to find the appropriate search term is to browse the entire keyword (service term) list. Broad Narrow Very Narrow Very Broad - 6 -

7 The Vermont Information and Referral Specialists who use the database on a daily basis have compiled a list of Taxonomy Terms that they use frequently. Scanning this alphabetical list is another way to guide you to the most useful KEYWORD(S) that will produce results while searching the website. Most Taxonomy terms describe the service provided to an individual. Attendant Case/Care Management * Child Care Subsidies Community Clinics Community Mental Health Agencies Community Shelter * Comprehensive Job Assistance Centers Comprehensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Dental Care Disability Related Transportation Family Law Courts Family Support Center/Outreach * Food Pantries Food Stamps Gas Money General Consumer Complaints Glasses/Contact Lenses Home Rehabilitation/Repair Housing Authorities Housing Counseling Insurance Internet Information Resources* Job Training Lawyer Referral Legal Counseling Legal Representation Local Bus Services Low Income/Subsidized Private Rental Housing Medicaid/Medi-Cal Medical Transportation Mental Health Hotlines Military Family Service/Support Centers Motor Vehicle Registration Parenting Education Prescription Expense Assistance Rent Payment Assistance Rental Deposit Assistance Specialized Information and Referral* Social Security Disability State Health Insurance TANF Tenant Rights Counseling Thrift Shops Transitional Housing/Shelter Undesignated Temporary Financial Assistance Unemployment Insurance Utility Assistance WIC Frequently Used Taxonomy Terms: The items with a * may include a target term that indicates when a specific target population is served. For example, Community Shelter may serve Single Adults or Families (or both) Items on this list that are BOLD have several taxonomy term options that may produce a successful search. For example, Insurance leads to: State Health Insurance Long Term Care Insurance Information/Counseling Insurance Complaints

8 Here are a few examples: Then you will see items that match your search specifically and items that are related to your search: Please note that the indented phrases (for example: for Homebound) narrow the search to services that target that specialized population or specialized delivery method. PRACTICE TIP: Try the Word or Phrase Search method using food pantries with each of the following zip codes and note the differences: (Barre), (Morrisville) (St. Johnsbury), (Brattleboro), or (Springfield)

9 Another example: Then you will see items that match your search specifically and items that are related to your search. In the example below you will find the local Community Action agency listed AND any other local resources that help with utility assistance. Choose Utility Assistance for the most common referrals given on a daily basis - 9 -

10 Search method ==== NAME To start this search method, enter a specific Vermont agency name or program name. Enter a complete name or just part of the name. Some examples are AARP, Red Cross, Salvation Army, or United Way. Note that the Search by Name method DOES NOT filter by zip code or city. In other words, this search method searches the entire database for the name you enter and the search is not taking into consideration the geographic location (city or zip code). Specific and/or less common NAMES produce the best search results: SEVCA Home Health Foodbank Freedom WCC or WFC CRASH Morningside HCRS Memorial Helpfund If you are certain that an agency or program has a specific town name INCLUDED in its name you may enter a town name. Keep in mind that this method of searching may produce a false negative. PRACTICE TIP: Try Windham or Brattleboro Generic and/or common NAMES are less helpful: Food Children Vermont Department

11 It is possible to find an agency or program many different ways. For example, CHILD CARE SUBSIDY information could be found the following three ways: Search method ==== CATEGORY Category Income Support and Employment Public Assistance and Social Insurance Progams Child Care Subsidies

12 OR Search method ==== KEYWORD This search will produce:

13 OR Search method ==== NAME All three of these searches will lead to the following record:

14 Remember, there are three ways to search for services in the Vermont database: Each search method has its pro s and con s and it is also important to keep in mind that there are multiple ways to find each program and agency. Search method ==== CATEGORY Pro: Gives an overview of the taxonomy (classification method) used by Vermont Con: Some of the lists of terms are long and difficult to process Search method ==== KEYWORD Pro: Specific search terms potentially lead the user directly to the needed service Con: Requires detailed knowledge of the search terms. The search engine does not see the similarity in the terms pantry and pantries. Entering pant (and then choosing partial word search) may produce the best search results in this example. Search method ==== NAME Pro: Service Providers often know the specific resource needed and simply need a phone number or street address. This method makes the most of street smart knowledge of program and agency names. Con: May produce a false negative search when, in fact, an agency or program is included in the Vermont database. For example, a program or agency name may include the word Children but a search using child may produce to many choices and the word children s will not match the name exactly