The Person-In-Environment System for classifying client problems: A new tool for more effective case management.

This article outlines the application of the Person-In-Environment system for the classification of problems which clients bring to case managers. The PIE system, sponsored by the National Association of Social Workers, Inc., concisely describes social role, environmental, mental health, and physical health problems in a format that allows for a clear delineation of the appropriate targets for case management intervention. The article also illustrates the system's use with three case management vignettes involving child protective services, the chronically mentally ill, and older adults.