The objective of this study was to reveal operational problems by objectively describing the service-delivery situation in the Children's Aid Society. A second goal was to add knowledge of social work practice. Major areas of concern were investigated: the undue length of time that some children tended to stay in the reception-assessment facility; the identification of changes in characteristics of the children over the past few years (for planning purposes); and the relationship between a child's characteristics and his disposition or kind of placement. Also explored were informational factors which were used by workers in placing a child. A fifth objective was to identify future research needs in family service and child care for Metropolitan Toronto. (CS)