FUNDAMENTALS OF

CASE MANAGEMENT
PRACTICE:
SKILLS FOR THE HUMAN
SERVICES
FIFTH EDITION
Nancy Summers

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 Chapter 3:
Applying the
Ecological Model:
A Theoretical
Foundation for Human
Services
Fundamentals of Case Management Practice:
Skills for the Human Services
5th Edition
Nancy Summers

(c)2016. Cengage Learning. All

rights reserved.
THE ECOLOGICAL MODEL
Sometimes referred to as 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

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THE THREE LEVELS
Micro Level
◦ Focus is on the client’s personality, motivation, affect,
and other personal attributes
Meso or Mezzo Level
◦ Focus is on the context immediately surrounding the
client (family, church group, close friends, and work
group)
Macro Level
◦ 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

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

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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.
Chronosystem – influence of time

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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

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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.

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THE GENERALIST APPROACH
The ability to recognize and address issues on
all three levels
When the case manager looks at how people and
systems on each of 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.

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LARGER 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
◦ 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.

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