#Ecomaps and genograms in social work how to#

Note: This image is computer generated to allow ease of reading across devices – ecomaps are often best done when hand drawn by the individual concerned. Through working with him you have developed the following ecomap. Harry, represented by the green circle in the middle of the image, is a pupil at your school. Developing an ecomap with a child or young person can identify the context in which they live, who they feel aligned to, or if they are isolated in certain areas. Unlike genograms, which are very structured and show the make-up of a young person’s family, ecomaps are a visual means for a young person to show who is in their network (be that family, friends, neighbours, school staff) and what sort of relationships they have with them.

We will explain how to build an ecomap with a young person, using common symbols and terminology. Ecomaps can be used in conjunction with other information that we know about a child or young person to build a picture of the context in which they live, and what their daily experiences are like. Start with a blank ecomap (If you were assessing a client or family, the nurse can jointly complete the ecomap with the client.Unlike genograms, ecomaps are a very important tool that show us who a child or young person sees as important to them, who their close relationships are with and how they view the adults around them. To complete the ecopmap place the individual or family in the middle circle & significant people organizations and agencies in outer circles.Using both a genogram and ecomap together enables the clinician to gain a fuller view of the individual/family social networks and support.Arrows = direction of the energy and resources.Start with a blank ecomap (If you were assessing a client or family, the nurse can jointly complete the ecomap with the client.)

visualize the individual/family social network and how family members are perceiving or receiving social support.

This is consistent with the Microsystem referred to in Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Framework. It can illustrate an individual’s or family’s relationships.

graphically depicts the family’s relationships & interaction with its immediate external environment.

can include information related to ages, marital status, ethnicity, religion, education, health, drug use, occupation, military service, impacting events in addition to medical details.

symbols depicting membership structure, interaction patterns, etc.a way to visualize the patterns that repeat.derived from within family systems theory.a quick overview of the family’s complexities.a visual and graphic display of information.

a source of information for planning nursing interventions.used in family therapy and health care settings.similar to genealogy and genetic charts/pedigree.a diagram or skeleton showing intergenerational relationships.

a format for drawing a family tree that records information.

They should be used concurrently with other assessment tools. Genograms and Ecomaps are essential components of individual and family assessment. Genograms and Ecomaps family nursing Genograms and Ecomaps family nursing

#Ecomaps and genograms in social work how to#