In 1976, a survey was undertaken to answer a number of questions about public social service programs for children and their families. A representative sample of 315 public social service departments throughout the United States was selected to participate in the survey. Case by case data were requested on samples of the children being served by each participating agency at the end of March 1977. A total of 9,597 children were surveyed. This report presents preliminary estimates on the characteristics of the children and their families and on the services they received, and includes: (1) demographic and social characteristics of the sample; (2) living arrangements and family circumstances of the sample; (3) how the children were introduced to the agency; (4) sources of referral for children receiving social services from public agencies; (5) most frequently cited primary reasons for receiving social services; (6) agency service plans and activities; and (7) agency staff. (Author/AM)