This study examined the characteristics of reports most likely to require court involvement using data from 1984 and 23 States that report court action. For 337,726 reports, no services were provided. For 113,096 reports, noncourt services were provided; while court services were provided for 43,594 reports. An examination of the type of injury associated with service provision indicates that children harmed by major physical injuries, sexual maltreatment, and other maltreatment were more likely to receive services than those harmed by minor injuries or neglect. Court services were most likely to be provided in cases involving sexual abuse and in cases where the severity of the physical injury is unspecified. Surprisingly, court action was least likely in cases involving major or minor physical injuries. Service provision was not a function of victim age or sex, but services were more likely to be provided to black than to white or Hispanic children. Neither victim age, race, nor sex was a good indicator of court involvement. Finally, services were more likely to be provided when reports were made by medical professionals and least likely when made by laypersons or anonymously. Court involvement was most likely when the report was by law enforcement personnel. 6 figures and 6 notes.