During the 12-month period, 5,740 child abuse cases were reported by Jefferson County residents. Sixty-nine percent of the reports came from relatives, friends, neighbors of children and anonymous persons, and 31 percent came from professional sources including physicians, teachers, police and social workers. Findings indicate that reports of suspected child abuse were highest among children under age 3; the reporting rate was higher for white than nonwhite children; and there was no difference in the rate of reporting for boys and girls. Agency and court response to child abuse and neglect reporting is discussed, and recommendations are made for additional research focusing on the relationship between child neglect and low socioeconomic status of the family. Tabular data.