Data on child abuse and neglect in Illinois during fiscal year 1986 are collected in this report. Statistical highlights indicate that in 1986 a total of 70,422 Illinois children were reported as victims of child abuse or neglect: a rate of 21.7 alleged victims per 1,000 children. Credible evidence indicated that 33,959 children were abused or neglected: a rate of 10.5 victims per 1,000 children. Credible evidence of abuse or neglect was found for 48.2 percent of all reported victims. Of all actual victims, 75 percent were abused or neglected by natural parents. More than two-thirds of all children involved in reported cases were 9 years of age or younger. A record 181,548 calls were received at the State Central Register child abuse hotline. Of all reports received, 60 percent were made by persons required by law to report. The number of children taken into protective custody was 5,956, which was a 7.1 percent decrease over fiscal year 1985. There was a 48 percent increase in substantiated child fatality reports. The report also covers: (1) the use of the State Central Register; (2) results of investigations in terms of status of reports, fatalities, sexual abuse reports, perpetrators, and service delivery; (3) program goals for 1987; and (4) preventive programs. (RH)