Addressed to policymakers and to all the citizens of Illinois, this report of the Plan of Action for Children Task Force offers 81 recommendations for addressing the serious problems faced by children residing in the state. Taken together, the recommendations lead to six conclusions: (1) focus on prevention; (2) commit resources to strengthen communities; (3) employ comprehensive approaches; (4) encourage institutional creativity; (5) improve state government's impact; and (6) broaden instruction via schools, churches, and the media on vital issues such as family life, sex education, health and nutrition, and the hazards of drug and alcohol use. Specifically, the report focuses on the creation of a statewide advocacy organization, family support programs, day care, formal education, employment, community service, health care, poverty, child abuse and child neglect, homeless youth, mental illness, substance abuse, school dropouts, unemployment, teenage pregnancy, and juvenile justice. Included are names, affiliations, and addresses of persons interviewed by the Task Force. (RH)