Earlier observations on U.S. infant health and survival as compared with other Western industrial democracies are extended in a study of preventive health services for children from infancy through adolescence and to the social benefit programs that support their families. This report looks at the condition of children in 10 European countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom), all of which have better infant survival rates than the United States and all of which share elements of pluralism in their systems of health care. Issues addressed are: mortality and immunization rates; the effectiveness of barriers to preventive health care; organization and delivery of care; family support systems; policy implications for the United States (financing health care, community providers, tracking and linkage). It is shown that broadly defined preventive health care for children not only improves their health, but also can be provided effectively in a variety of settings. The survey instrument and various related tables and figures are appended. Contains approximately 160 references. (LB)