Findings on petition characteristics pertain to household structure (mostly single-parent); respondents (usually the mother); average family size (2.6 children); and the race, age, and sex of the child. Among the findings on petition allegations was that the most frequent charges were sexual abuse of the child; alcohol and drug abuse by the parent; and lack of food, clothing, and shelter. Findings on case processing indicate that more than half the children were removed from their homes before a petition to the court was filed, and the basis for such removals often was not found in the court record. The average child's case was known to the local child protective system for more than 2 years before a petition was filed with the court. Counsel for the respondent was consistently appointed after the initial court appearance and often as late as 1 month after the petition was filed in more than 25 percent of the cases. Legislative recommendations are designed to improve protection of child and parental rights, and administrative recommendations are intended to increase the speed and improve the documentation of case processing. 55 figures and 40 tables