Social Work Practice: A Life Model

This article presents a model of practice that attempts to integrate two historic social work positions: emphasis on knowledge and skill to effect change in persons, and emphasis on knowledge and skill to effect change in environments. An ecological/reciprocal perspective not only integrates these positions but the methodological specializations of casework, group work, and community organization as well. Through an ecological theoretical perspective and a reciprocal conception of social work function, people and their environments receive simultaneous professional attention. Needs and issues are reconceptualized from "personality states" and "environmental states" to problems in living. Professional interventions associated with problems people experience are specified.