From 1983 to 1984, child abuse and neglect reports increased 16 percent and child sexual abuse reports increased 59 percent. Faced with increased demands for services and inadequate resources, many State agencies cannot comply with laws mandating timely investigations of reports and are forced to establish priority systems for the types of cases that receive prompt attention. As a result, reports are not being investigated; many children are remaining critically vulnerable; and children and their families are going unserved. This phenomenon is also apparent in private agencies, which are experiencing waiting times of up to 1 year for services. Legislative response has focused on courtroom reforms and employee background checks, rather than on life-saving prevention and treatment. 4 tables and 13 footnotes.