This publication provides chapter-by-chapter synopses of the 1981 report of the Danish Child Welfare Commission. Chapter 1 contains the Commission's introductory remarks on its terms of reference and emphasizes that parents have primary responsibility for the raising of their children. Chapter 2 provides a documentary account of the living conditions experienced by today's Danish children and their parents. Demographic changes which have occurred over the last few decades are also discussed. Chapter 3 deals with the developmental characteristics of young children and identifies the prerequisites necessary for healthy personality development. Chapter 4 gives an evaluation of the social conditions under which young children grow up, and Chapters 5 and 6 outline considerations underlying formulation of a child welfare policy. Chapter 7 discusses the child's status in relation to Denmark's domestic laws. Chapters 8, 9, 10, and 11 contain the Commission's reflections and suggestions on the following: parental employment; families with young children; the social community; the influence of the physical environment on developing children; and the financial situation of families with young children. Chapter 12 discusses some of the characteristics of families with children who have special needs, and also details problems encountered by children of immigrant parents. Finally, Chapter 13 contains a summary of the Commission's recommendations and outlines possible problems associated with forming policies for children. (Author/MP)