Marion Ulas is a lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the University of Edinburgh, specialising in mental health. Her recent research has focused on the operation of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act. Anne Connor is an independent consultant and researcher. She was a health service manager with Lothian Health Board, and has been a senior researcher in the Scottish Office.

1. Introduction and Overview, Anne Connor, independent consultant and Marion Ulas, University of Edinburgh. 2. Policy in to Practice: Creative Tension or Deadlock? 3. Community-Based Mental Health Services, Anne Connor. 4. Policy and Management of Social Work Services: The Mental Welfare Commission in the Context of Inspection, Christine E. McGregor, Alzheimer Scotland - Action on Dementia. 5. Research Issues in Mental Health Social Work, Marion Ulas. 6. Social Workers as Mental Health Officers: Different Hats, Different Roles? Fiona Myers, University of Edinburgh. 7. Ethnicity and Mental Health, Suman Fernando, The Tizard Centre. 8. Depression in Old Age, Maureen O'Neill, Age Concern Scotland. 9. Maternal Depression in Child and Family Care: The Design, Development and Use of an Instrument for Research and Practice, Michael Sheppard, University of Plymouth. 10. Evaluation of Social Work Services for People with Mental Health Problems, Allyson McCollam, Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health Services and Julia White, freelance research consultant. 11. Service Users' Perspectives on Social Work Activities for People Experiencing Mental Health Problems, Julia White and Allyson McCollam. 12. Afterword, Jim Kiddie, Royal Edinburgh Hospital.