During 1997, in cooperation with 17 southern states and the District of Columbia, the Southern Institute on Children and Families held site visits to identify ways to uncomplicate the delivery of health coverage, child care and other benefits to assist low wage families. This report presents key findings and recommended actions states can take to remove barriers that families face in accessing benefits, as well as descriptions of other Institute activities during 1997. Key issues discussed include information outreach to dispel confusion about government benefits, child health coverage, child care assistance, transportation, and earned income tax credit. The report briefly describes the Institute's efforts at website development, the Southern Regional Forum, and the program Covering Kids: A National Health Access Initiative for Low-Income, Uninsured Children. (This document is relevant to the field of education in that the U.S. Department of Education is working with teachers, providers, and others to notify families with low to moderate income about children's insurance programs.) (JPB)