This booklet serves as a guide for city officials to use when evaluating the status and needs of children and families in their cities and planning services for them. The booklet is divided into five sections. The first section identifies the reasons that city officials should care about their city's children. The second section provides a list of indicators for determining the quality of life of city children and a list of resources where such information might be located. The third section provides questions that city officials can use when determining the city services which are being provided to children and families. The questions focus on services provided by city government and organizations outside of city government, the coordination of services, and the provision of leadership. The fourth section offers ideas for the development of a strategy for serving children and families and an approach to comprehensive planning. The last section provides three outlines for development of programs for children and families involving communities active in children and family issues; communities which are beginning to become involved in programs; and officials who are interested in addressing the issues but are uncertain of colleagues' support. (RJC)