The cases of 4,463 children referred to social service agencies in child abuse or neglect cases during the early 1950's were reviewed and traced for at least 20 years through the social service system. Over 50 percent of the original sample had more than one contact with the agencies and over 35 percent had at least three official contacts. Patterns of contact, incidence contacts during the period of eligibility for both status and juvenile offenses charges, and methods of case disposition were investigated. Of those children reported for maltreatment, 19.5 percent later had juvenile offense contact with the social service system. Of those children eligible for a juvenile offense contact at the time of their second contact with social service agencies, between 27 and 64 percent later became involved in delinquent behavior. Nearly 50 percent of those children who had a third contact with the agencies during their period of eligibility later had contact during the course of a delinquency incident. Over 50 percent of those children who were released to their caretakers, with or without supervision, later became involved in delinquent behavior cases. Referring maltreated children to social service agencies for assistance was a more effective measure. Less than 20 percent of those children referred on both their first and second maltreatment contacts later were involved in delinquent behavior cases. Referring maltreated children to social service agencies for assistance was a more effective measure. Less than 20 percent of those children referred on both their first and second maltreatment contacts later were involved in delinquency activities. Among children with three or more contacts, 21 percent who were referred on their first and second contacts were involved in delinquent misbehavior. Tabular data, footnotes, and about 65 references are included. For the final report, see NCJ 74798.