This article reports the results of a study that examined death rates in those children who had been assigned child welfare status during a 1 year period, January 1, 1980, to December 31, 1980, to ascertain whether children in care show greater risk for the consequences of abuse and neglect than children not in care. Follow-up continued until December 31, 1987, or until the death of the individual. Data were collected to determine whether each child was in care at the time of death, because neglected and/or abused children may show elevated mortality rates as a consequence of their personal characteristics, irrespective of the type of care or placement. Results indicate that the mortality rate was elevated significantly. Neglected and abused children were apt to have died violently, while handicapped children were more likely to have died because of disease or infirmity. The proportion of children dying while in care did not differ from the proportion who died after leaving care. Death rates were elevated only for age categories surrounding the age of 18 years at which time child welfare support is withdrawn. References