The five papers presented at the symposium were discussed and reacted to by the participants. In "Values, Ideology and Social Services" a socio-philosophical approach is used to compare Chicano values to the origins and development of the values behind the Social Welfare System. "An Oral History of a Mexican Immigrant" presents the story of a 75-year-old Mexican woman who, at an early age, was faced with the adjustments and difficulties entailed in immigrating to the United States. A socio-cultural approach is used to document the values, attitudes and motives of a Mexican immigrant and her family. In "The Effects of the Welfare System on the Chicano Elderly", the economic and social conditions of the older Chicano generation are described in detail. A review is made of the government programs available to them and the effects the welfare practices and value system have on the Chicano elderly. The theoretical justification for these programs is also discussed. "The Welfare System's Impact on the Chicana: A Beneficiary's Perspective" describes the situation which motivated the formation of organizations that would advocate for the presentation of the rights of the Chicana when dealing with social service programs, discusses the failure of some Federal programs to meet their objectives, and gives case studies which illustrate problems encountered by Chicanas when participating in the various welfare programs. The final paper provides a statistical analysis of Chicanos and other Hispanic groups on the various public assistance programs. The symposium's plenary group discussion is summarized. (NQ)