In this statement, structural and operational aspects of licensing by welfare departments are analyzed. The philosophy of licensing, and the underlying principles are defined and the licensing of child care facilities is presented as a preventive social service in the form of legal regulation. A comprehensive discussion of child care licensing is contained in the following chapters: Child Care Licensing; The Statutory Basis; The Formulation of Licensing Standards; Administrative Organization; Application, Study, and License Issuance; Supervision-Consultation; and The Achievement of Licensing Goals. A historical note provides background on the development of child care licensing. This publication should be of use to state welfare administrators and staffs in improving their licensing programs, to legislators in drafting licensing statutes, to citizens serving on boards and advisory committees of welfare agencies, and to social work educators. (Author/NH)