Data on cases of child maltreatment were obtained from a probability sample of 29 counties throughout the United States. An estimated 25.2 children per 1,000 experienced abuse or neglect in 1986; 15.9 children per 1,000 were neglected, while 10.7 children per 1,000 were abused. Moderate injuries predominated, followed by probable injuries, serious injuries, and fatalities. Females experienced more abuse than males, and the overall incidence of maltreatment increased with age. Noninvestigatory agencies (schools, hospitals, social service agencies, and mental health agencies) recognized more than two times the number of abused or neglected children identified by investigatory agencies. Study findings of the NIS-2 are compared with the NIS-1.