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Family caregivers are a key component of mental health services in New Zealand and internationally. Despite their key role, there has been relatively little research documenting their experiences, and the impacts of caregiving on them. This study reports on the experiences of parents caregiving for their adult children who have schizophrenia. Six participants were interviewed, and a descriptive qualitative approach used. The participants described a range of impacts, negative and positive, on them and their families. They stressed the need for more formal support and recognition for their role, and improved communication with mental health professionals. Family caregivers' perspectives and experiences are important for both mental health professionals and their training, and for other family members who find themselves in similar situations.

This research investigates how the term "insight" was employed in 25 decisions from mental health review proceedings in Victoria, Australia. The application of insight appears problematic in these decisions. First, there is little clarification of its meaning. Second, the logic applied when insight is related to compliance is often unclear. Third, there are frequent allusions to an implicit and undefined scale of insight, offering the appearance of objectivity. We have analysed insight as an 'interpretive resource', focusing on its various functions in the complex social context of commitment hearings and with a view to its therapeutic jurisprudence implications. The variable application of insight-its interpretive flexibility-appears useful in addressing complex problems faced by review boards. Hence, a key function of insight is to bridge between legal and clinical discourses. Insight is also a convenient means to avoid complicated debates regarding the person's credibility. By analysing insight in Victoria, we hope to contribute to better theoretical understanding of decision-making patterns in mental health law in general.

A BST RA CTThis paper discusses the ethical issues and international standards relating to genetic research on people with learning disabilities. Research protocols must acknowledge the people who are subjects of such research and m ust re¯ect em erging disability philosophies. This research provides a brief historical context and considers ® ve issues of fundamental im portance to people with learning disabilities through a discu ssion of participation in the research design, independent advocacy, justice, non-discrimination and autonom y. These concerns have been investigated in England and abroad, and it is therefore valuable to undertake a review of the legal and ethical context of genetic research for vulnerable people who m ay be deem ed unable to provide consent.

Advance directives convey consumers' wishes about accepting or refusing future treatment if they become incompetent. They are designed to communicate a competent consumer's perspective regarding the preferred treatment, should the consumer later become incompetent. There are associated ethical issues for health practitioners and this article considers the features that are relevant to nurses. In New Zealand, consumers have a legal right to use an advance directive that is not limited to life-prolonging care and includes general health procedures. Concerns may arise regarding a consumer's competence and the document's validity. Nurses need to understand their legal and professional obligations to comply with an advance directive. What role does a nurse play and what questions arise for a nurse when advance directives are discussed with consumers? This article considers the cultural dimensions, legal boundaries, consumers' and providers' perspectives, and the medical and nursing positions in New Zealand.