The Report on Information Needs Assessment, on which this summary is based, had two purposes: to serve as background and resource information for The National Center for Child Advocacy of the Children's Bureau and to aid the Bureau in identifying prime issues that could be studied. A research panel composed of three specialists actively engaged in child welfare research and administration was convened to assist in the identification and review of high priority issues. The preliminary issues were discussed by state and local office representatives at five regional meetings held in 1976 and condensed into 15 basic issues. The research panel identified four issues from the 15 for which relevant, in-depth information is needed by federal and local governments in order to develop and implement responsive programs and to plan future policy. Discussed in detail, the issues of highest concern are: service planning and process; court involvement; status offenders; and older children. Appendix A discusses all 15 issues identified at the regional conferences, while Appendix B lists the names and addresses of the participants in the regional conferences. (Author/JK)