Summary
Requirements - A sophisticated and tightly managed system in order to log every detail
Solution - A robust, secure and scalable case management system
Value - Added value, reduced inefficiencies and eliminated backlog
Northern Ireland Guardian Ad Litem Agency (NIGALA)
Case Management System
The Northern Ireland Guardian Ad Litem Agency (NIGALA) is a service that controls the appointment of guardians in adoption proceedings. A guardian ad litem is an independent officer of the Court who is experienced in working with children and families.
Requirements
NIGALA is responsible for selecting the most suitable guardian for each adoption case and they needed a solution to show their selection process. The Northern Ireland courts wanted to see evidence of the process from selection of the guardian through to adoption of the child, therefore they needed a system that could track and record this. The current system was time consuming, difficult to manage and not capable for the workload. The work NIGALA does is vital and they needed a sophisticated and tightly managed system in order to log every detail so that they could comply with legislation and most importantly find the best solution for each adoption case.
Solution
Fluent Technology developed a solution that allows a guardian to be selected based on their experience, workload and suitability for the case. This is achieved through a ranking system for the guardians. The guardian can record every meeting, visit and court hearing of each case; this then is tracked and monitored internally to meet legislation. The system allows users to track every detail of each case in a quick and tightly managed way. Fluent Technology has transformed NIGALA’s case management system by implementing benefits such as digital pen integration which allows guardians to automatically upload reports, the system is integrated with Outlook and Blackberry so that every detail can be recorded automatically, these features eliminates timely administration duties and creates an efficient way to monitor each case. The process can also generate reports, expense forms and documents saving valuable time for staff.
To construct the Case Management System Fluent Technology replaced a legacy information system (built using MS Access) with a modern SQL Server based client server software solution built in Visual Studio.NET. Our application framework BASIS was used at the heart of the application. Following detailed business process reviews Fluent Technology assisted with the development of new operational procedures and delivered comprehensive user training.
Technology Used:
- Microsoft SQL Server, & Reporting Services
- Microsoft Windows 2003 Server
- Microsoft.NET Framework, Visual Studio, VB.NET
- Microsoft Click Once Deployment
- Mobile device integration (Blackberry)
Value
NIGALA have found that the system has added value and reduced inefficiencies from the start.
“With Fluent’s case management solution we have improved our efficiency and virtually eliminated the backlog that built up with our manual system. Staff aren’t wasting time with a paper chase and the service to our clients has benefited.”
Declan McAlister, Head of Corporate Services, Northern Ireland Guardian ad Litem Agency.