Section Two - Case Studies

Scenario - Abused Child

Situation

May, a primary school teacher, notices that one of her pupils, Heather, is becoming very withdrawn, and her grades are no longer as good as they used to be. Although it is mid-summer, Heather wears a long-sleeve jumper, and seems to shy away from being touched.

May has also noticed that Heather seemed to be covered in bruises lately. Concerned, she asks if anything is wrong. Heather breaks down, and tells May that her father has been beating her.

Agencies Involved

There are numerous agencies involved in a case like this, each providing different services to the victim, and the victim's family. The following diagram shows only a few of these services.

What if...

The ways in which cases of abuse are handled are always improving.

Imagine if the Case Manager from one agency had all of the necessary information, and could serve as the prime contact for the child and his/her family.

This would help to integrate disparate services, and present one main face to the user.

Scenario - Sickness Beneficiary Needing Rental Reduction

Situation

Danny is working full time, and living in a Housing New Zealand Corporation house, paying market rent. Unfortunately, Danny becomes ill, and he is unable to work. His doctor certifies him as unfit to work, in the long term.

Agencies Involved

To receive the benefits he is entitled to, Danny must visit both the Ministry of Social Development (Work and Income NZ), and Housing New Zealand, in person, and speak to each Case Manager.

For each agency and benefit, there is a different form to complete.

What if...

If agencies worked together to provide a 'one-stop-shop', the service user could authorise one agency to pass the details on to the next. The user would not need to make an appointment to see each case manager, nor re-supply their information to each agency they come into contact with.

When a person applies for a benefit, they could be advised of any subsequent benefits they were eligible for (including those managed by another agency). These benefits could be applied for automatically.