The Human Services Policy Center of Washington undertook a study of communication strategies for protecting children because of the perception among many leading child protection professionals that a distorted pattern of media coverage is driving child protection policies toward responding to the small proportion of atypical cases which the media emphasize, and away from the large-scale efforts at prevention and early intervention indicated by the bulk of cases referred to child protective services. The intent of the study was to determine if this was a correct perception and to develop an effective communications strategy to improve the situation. The investigation's primary focus was Washington state, but included data and expert discussants from California and from national associations. Data were also drawn from polls, focus groups, and surveys conducted nationally and in several other states. Specific questions addressed were: (1) What are the positive and negative impacts of media coverage on policy and practice of the child protection system in Washington [California]; What would concerned parties like to see happen differently if public attitudes and understanding were more favorable?; (2) What broad-based communications strategy could improve child protection?; and (3) How can it be determined if the strategy is working? This report presents the investigation's findings, including recommendations for developing a communication strategy for protecting children and a proposed University of Washington/Human Services Policy Center project. Contains 47 references. (EV)