A sample of 214 rural citizens in Iowa's Crawford and Ida Counties were surveyed to gather information on community attitudes towards the care of children and other family members. The sampled group closely paralleled the area's 1980 census norms, except in the proportion of males to females. Respondents perceived community problems with parent-child relations more frequently than they perceived other family problems. Over 25% knew of an abused child; over 40%, of a neglected child. Nearly half wanted to know where to get help for an abused child. Over 66% felt that child abuse was a community problem. Respondents were most likely to call a minister for advice about abuse. Respondents rated the most important community family service as court adoption of a hard line towards abusive parents, followed by recreation programs and communication programs for parents and children. Respondents were intolerant of child abuse. Most who were aware of child neglect did not know of an agency dealing with abuse. Older residents and long-term residents were less negative about child abuse than younger, more educated respondents with higher incomes and respondents with children under five years of age, who were more likely to serve in child abuse programs. (SB)