Stresses that the psychological community should be involved in shaping public policy for children, youth, and families who will be adversely affected by proposed Federal budget cuts in social programs. Summarizes issues discussed in the articles that follow in the same volume. (MJL)

Psychologists have participated actively in the recent transformation of policy regarding domestic violence. Expert witnesses have provided testimony rebutting myths that prevented battered women who killed their abusers from receiving fair trials. Psychologists' testimony on the battered women's perceptions of danger is now commonly accepted. (KH)

Despite passage of laws regarding sex equity in education, full equity has yet to be attained. Psychologists have identified educational inequities and have provided educators with research-based programs, practices, and policies. But more research is needed to guide cost-effective policy formation and to identify the subtler forms of inequity.…

Highlights psychologists' roles and contributions to policy development in the areas of employment, deinstitutionalization, family violence, science and technology, and education. Focuses on psychologists' participation in creating policies that respond to the realities of women's changing social roles. (KH)

Describes what is involved in the Congressional policy-making process, and describes the Capitol Hill community. Discusses the human element that is inherent in understanding and representing constituencies and in attempting to translate the constituents' concerns into policy. Considers what role psychologists might play in this policy-making…

Focuses on how federal training funds have affected the directions of psychology and medicine. The significance for psychology's involvement in national health policy, particularly during this era of reform, is highlighted, as are those steps by the research, education, and practice communities within psychology, that are essential for…

Although significant research on child development has been undertaken in the Third World, Euro-American paradigmatic limitations have prevented policymakers from applying the knowledge gained to child development programs there. Several suggestions are made for altering the situation. (PS)

Presents examples of unique contributions of individuals at private foundations to the emergence and growth of scientific research on child and adolescent development. Discusses specific leaders of the Carnegie Foundation and the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Fund to demonstrate how influential individuals can be in determining major…