8.6.1.5 Systemic Cases

Addressing systemic cases is an important strategy for improving case management at the institutional level, and for resolving cases expeditiously. Systemic cases may be identified when the institution receives several cases on the same issue, where there is a pattern of similar problems appearing over time, or when an examination of an individual case shows that the cause or proximate cause of a problem is found in faulty legislation, regulations, policy or practice rather than individual behaviour. These are called "systemic" cases simply because they are part of or based in systems and structures, rather than in an intentional or unintentional one-off act. Recognising these cases and applying resources to them is an important part of case management because it can increase the efficiency of the organisation significantly.

Implications for the Establishment Phase: The case management manual should include a section on the identification of systemic cases and the process for creating a special team of staff to address broad-ranging and large-scale issues of this kind.