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Janette Logan reports on the findings of a research study which examined the experiences of adoptive parents and birth parents who were involved in an information exchange scheme. While both acknowledged the importance of exchanging information, different views were expressed as to how the exchange should happen and people's experiences were considerably influenced by their pattern and process of exchange. This study provides empirical evidence to suggest that the exchange of information is by no means straightforward and easy to accomplish in a way that satisfies the needs — in particular the long-term needs — of those involved in the adoption triangle.

This paper is concerned with the new discourse in social work education with its emphasis on anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice. This directive is examined critically in relation to sexual orientation, suggesting that the contemporary climate is confusing and far from straightforward. The ideological, theoretical and legislative contexts in which social work as a profession has developed are reviewed, and their heterosexist bias exposed. In contrast to developments in relation to racism and sexism, little attention has been given to heterosexism - yet the heterosexual hegemony needs challenging with urgency if we are to truly work in an anti-oppressive way with lesbians and gay men.

This article identifies the increasing relevance of HIV and AIDS for social work practice in the 1990s and argues that the topic should be included as a core component of all DipSW qualifying programmes. It identifies direct work with people affected by the virus, health education and the politics of AIDS in relation to anti-discriminatory practice as key features of this training. The new educational-agency partnerships developing around DipSW are welcomed as having the potential to ensure a continuum of training for social workers. Local authorities, for instance, should have sufficient influence upon basic training to ensure that workers enter employment with a basic awareness of HIV and AIDS and the complex issues which it raises for practice generally. Agencies can then focus on planning effective training strategies which meet the specific and specialist needs of workers arising out of particular areas of practice.The importance of maximising upon the symbiotic relationship between agencies and educational institutions is stressed, in order to ensure that the rhetoric of partnership is translated into action.