The data are based on an analysis of case-specific reports submitted to the West Virginia Child Abuse Data Base (CADB) by child protection service workers. The CADB is a computerized information system that receives and disseminates essential data about child abuse and neglect in the State. As the product of a relatively new information system, this report should not be interpreted as a comprehensive quantitative description of child abuse and neglect during the report period. Following a general overview of child abuse and the development of child protection systems, West Virginia's child protection system is profiled. Data on the characteristics of maltreated children address age, gender, and race. Data are also provided on revictimization by county, children living in poor families by county, children by type of maltreatment, and children by risk. A description of family characteristics for which child abuse has been alleged encompasses such characteristics as age, race, and gender of head of household; the number of various types of family maltreators; family size; family structure; public assistance; and unreported prior maltreatment. Data are also provided on the characteristics of maltreators, including the number maltreated as children, criminal background, use of drugs, physical and mental disabilities, and school dropout status. Other data and information address child abuse/neglect referrals by county, assessment of maltreatment referrals, responding to child abuse and neglect, revictimization of children, and social services needed by maltreating families. Extensive tables and figures, as well as appended supplementary data and information