Ecologically based interventions in residential and school facilities: theory or practice?

An overriding theme within systemic therapies has been the need for the development of a comprehensive and coordinated network of community-based treatment resources to effectively meet the unique needs of adolescents experiencing emotional difficulties. An ecosystemic approach to meeting this need focuses on the interdependence of such environmental elements as the residential institution, the school, various social agencies, peer group, and the family in the life of the adolescent. Ecological interventions consider the significant environmental elements, the relationships among these elements, and the adolescent's interaction with them. Such an ecosystemic model is essential to planning and implementing academic and social programs for our youth. This paper illustrates some important differences between interdisciplinary and ecological perspectives. It highlights the use of ecosystemic models in residential and school facilities and also enumerates areas where ecologically based changes might be appropriate. In addition, it outlines operational guidelines focusing on the reintegration of the adolescent from the institution back to the neighborhood school.