1. Fundamentals of Case Management Practice: Skills for the Human Services, Third Edition Chapter Three Applying the Ecological Model: A theoretical Foundation for Human Services By Nancy Summers Published by Brooks Cole Cengage Learning 2009

2. THE ECOLOGICAL MODEL Sometimes referred to as the person-in-situation or person-in- environment. We use the ecological model to Develop a broad understanding of each individual client. See the client in the context in which the client lives and functions. See how the client has interacted and is interacting with the environment. See how the environment influences the client’s choices.

3. THE THREE LEVELS Micro Level - Where the focus is on the client’s personality, motivation, affect, and other personal attributes. Meso Level - Where the focus is on the context immediately surrounding the client (family, church group, close friends, and work group). Macro Level - Where the focus is on the larger society’s characteristics and the way the client experiences these or the way these are brought to bear on the client’s situation (institutions and organizations such as the political system, social stratification, educational system, the economy).

4. WHAT THE PERSON BRINGS TO THE SITUATION Biological Characteristics Neurological development Reflexes Genetic makeup Degenerative processes Illness (chronic, terminal, temporary) Physical health Nutrition Psychological Early shaping experiences Perception Personality Affect Cognition Nurturance Life transitions/position in the life cycle motivation

5. WHAT THE CONTEXT BRINGS TO THE SITUATION Personal Context or Meso Level Family work group Social groups Family culture Family values Family structure Religious group Social class Role status, conflict or strain Social Context or Macro Level Larger social culture Larger organization of the church or workplace The larger community Government Economy Social stratification Prejudice and discrimination Political system

6. DEVELOPMENTAL TRANSITIONS These are normal life changes. These events move a person from one phase of life to another. These changes require an adjustment to new circumstances. Many are part of the normal development from birth to death. Some people find it harder to adjust than others.

7. EXAMPLES OF DEVELOPMENTAL TRANSITIONS Starting kindergarten or first grade Going to high school Going out on a first date Leaving home for the first time Losing one’s job Experiencing a disaster Large mortgage or debt Large financial losses Children leaving home Birth of a grandchild Starting a new job Getting married Buying a first home Ill health Losing a spouse through death Divorce Losing a physical capacity Considerable financial gains Children marrying Death of a child

8. DEVELOPING INTERVENTIONS Use two-pronged interventions that address maladaptive interactions between the person and the environment. Choose interventions that strengthen the person to handle the environment. Find interventions that alter the environment to better accommodate the person. Note those parts of the environment that are positive and useful.

9. THE GENERALIST APPROACH Is the ability to recognize and address issues on all three levels. When the case manager looks at how people and systems on each to the three levels affects the client’s problems the case manager has correctly made a multilevel assessment. The generalist approach has as its goal better functioning and increased competence of all parties. This becomes the foundation for solid and long-lasting change.

10. LARGER INTERVENTIONS INTERVENTIONS ON THE MACRO LEVEL In your work you will see groups of individuals who have been harmed by one or more of the larger social systems (the school system or the medical system, perhaps discriminatory practices). You have an ethical obligation to speak to the needs of the less advantaged in our society to the larger society where the changes need to be made. You will also see areas of service that need to be developed or better supported. You are in a unique position to bring these needs to the community that funds the services.