This article reviews the literature on political participation of social workers and the variables that promote or impede political advocacy. Early research in the 1980s and 1990s most often reported education, feelings of efficacy, having a macro-type job, and being a member of a national association as factors that determine greater political…

The interest in family policy on the part of academic and political leaders may offer new opportunities to enact social legislation. Serious violations of civil liberties may threaten individuals and nonconventional families. Risks implicit in the adoption of a national policy outweigh the possible gains. (Author)

Reviews the research on dementia as it applies to patients suffering from acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Describes dementia as involving an acquired persistent impairment of intellectual function with compromises in mental activity, emotions and personality, and cognition. Identifies the unique social, emotional, and legal issues…

Presents information about the legal role and powers of the grand jury. Alerts social workers to the possible shift from being an informational witness to being the focus of inquiry. Guidelines for grand jury testimony are offered, and the legal rights of social workers are reviewed. (JAC)

Suggests the helping professions ignore older homosexual men and women, groups that have special strengths and needs. Describes the institutional, legal, emotional, and medical problems older homosexuals face and discusses how social workers can provide services to these groups. (Author)