The survey contacted the Federal liaison officer for child abuse and neglect in each State to answer survey questions. The survey obtained statistics on the number and characteristics of child abuse reports for 1985 and 1986 and statistics on the number of child deaths due to maltreatment during these same years. The survey also determined the extent to which Federal or State budget cuts have impacted child welfare service delivery. Other data pertain to any significant differences in the rate at which certain types of reports are substantiated across and within States, the relative importance of prevention activities within a State, and the extent to which there is funding for prevention efforts. Findings are detailed in narrative and tabular form. 3 tables, 13 notes, and child abuse reporting rates for 1981-86 by State.