Researchers use Chapin Hall's Integrated Database on Children's Services in Illinois to document the well-being of Illinois children from 1989 to 1998 as state governments assume increasing responsibility for children's welfare. They track many dimensions of children's lives, including their health, education, economic status, and their use of the human services systems.

The dramatic changes in social policy for children and families underway at both the federal and state levels are prompting states to implement reforms in education, income maintenance, health care, services for abused and neglected children and their families, and services to children with disabilities. As a result of increased state responsibility and flexibility, children's experiences in the welfare and human services systems have changed and are expected to continue to change. The State of the Child chronicles the well-being of Illinois children over the last decade and, as such, it can be used as a baseline against which to measure the effects of many of these substantive policy changes. Using survey and administrative data, the volume compiles information on several indicators of child well-being. The data, spanning 1989-98, highlight not only the current state of the child, but the general improvement over time in the lives of children-as well as areas that need further attention. Topics in this volume include the changing demographics of Illinois children, children's health, education, violence by and against children, changing family structure, child poverty, the multiple human services children use, the experiences they face in the child welfare system, and the lives of children with special needs. In addition, the volume offers a broad overview of the economic supports on which all families rely, both low-income and others. Data are broken out by four regions: Chicago, the inner ring of Cook County suburbs, the collar counties, and the balance of the state.